India commenced their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 campaign on a high note, securing a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka via the DLS method in a rain-affected opening match held on Tuesday. The match, hosted in Guwahati, was reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain interruptions.
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first. India faced early setbacks, slumping to 124/6, primarily due to Inoka Ranaweera's impressive bowling performance. Ranaweera dismissed key Indian players, including Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, in quick succession.
At this critical juncture, Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma forged a remarkable 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This vital partnership not only stabilized the innings but also propelled India to a competitive total of 269/8. Amanjot Kaur scored 57 runs off 56 balls, marking her first World Cup half-century. Deepti Sharma contributed 53 runs from 53 deliveries. Sneh Rana added a late flourish with a quickfire 28 off 15 balls. Inoka Ranaweera finished with 4 wickets for 46 runs.
Chasing a revised target of 271 runs due to the DLS method, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs. Deepti Sharma shone with the ball, taking 3 crucial wickets for 54 runs. Sneh Rana (2/32) and Shree Charani (2/37) also contributed with timely breakthroughs. Chamari Athapaththu was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, with 43 runs.
India's victory was a result of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The strong partnership between Kaur and Sharma was instrumental in India posting a respectable total, while the bowlers ensured a comfortable victory. Deepti Sharma's all-round performance earned her the player-of-the-match award.
This win provides India with a positive start to their World Cup campaign. The team showcased its depth and ability to recover from difficult situations, setting a strong tone for their upcoming matches.
