India Clinches Victory Over Sri Lanka in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener

GUWAHATI: In their inaugural match of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup held in Guwahati, India showcased resilience to secure a 49-run triumph over Sri Lanka, decided via the DLS method.

Following a shaky beginning, significant half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma, complemented by Sneh Rana’s aggressive batting late in the innings, helped India post a total of 269/8 in a 47-over match, shortened due to rain.

Sri Lanka, in pursuit of a revised DLS target of 271, were dismissed for 211. Deepti, Rana, and Shree Charani delivered impactful bowling performances.

India’s innings saw an early setback with the loss of Smriti Mandhana after they chose to bat. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol then attempted to stabilize the innings with a 67-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers maintained tight control, restricting boundaries and triggering a series of wickets.

Inoka Ranaweera played a pivotal role, dismissing Rawal in the 20th over and subsequently claiming three wickets in the 26th over, including Harleen, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet Kaur. Richa Ghosh was soon dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu, leaving India struggling at 124/6.

Amanjot and Deepti then forged a crucial century partnership, combining caution with calculated aggression to revive the innings. They rotated the strike effectively, gradually increasing the scoring rate.

Amanjot reached her half-century, scoring five fours and a six, while Deepti contributed a 50 off 50 balls, including three boundaries.

Sneh Rana added valuable runs towards the end, hitting two fours and two sixes to score 34 crucial runs in the last two overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase started positively, with Athapaththu and Hasini Perera finding the boundary regularly. Athapaththu hit a six off Kranti Gaud. However, Gaud responded by bowling Perera, ending a 30-run opening stand.

Harshitha Samarawickrama then counterattacked, hitting three fours in an over off Amanjot, giving Sri Lanka a productive first powerplay with 45 runs.

Athapaththu dominated the early overs against Deepti, hitting two sixes and two fours, before being bowled for 43, giving India a significant breakthrough.

Following this, India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Rana, exerted continuous pressure. Shree Charani trapped Harshitha Madavi leg-before, while Amanjot dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne.

Deepti then returned to dismiss Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani, reducing Sri Lanka to 140/6. Nilakshi de Silva attempted a comeback but was dismissed by Rana, who also accounted for Achini Kulasuriya.

Rawal concluded the innings by trapping Ranaweera, securing a comfortable victory for India despite the early challenges.