Guwahati | October 1, 2025

India launched their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 59-run win (DLS method) over co-hosts Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. All-round brilliance from Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and debutant Amanjot Kaur helped India recover from a shaky start to secure victory.

Deepti Sharma created history by becoming the first Indian bowler to score a fifty and claim a three-wicket haul in the same World Cup match. Along with Amanjot, she orchestrated a vital middle-order rescue act that turned the tide for the visitors.

Batting first after being put in, India were reduced to 124/6 following a dramatic collapse triggered by left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera. Earlier, opener Smriti Mandhana departed for eight, but Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48) stabilized the innings. Just as India looked set, rain interrupted play for over an hour, reducing the contest to 47 overs a side.

On resumption, Ranaweera changed the complexion of the game in a single over, removing Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues (0), and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (17) within five balls. She eventually finished with 4/46, putting India on the backfoot.

It was then that Amanjot Kaur (57) and Deepti Sharma (53) displayed grit and composure. Their 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket rescued India from the brink, laying the foundation for a competitive total. Playing her first World Cup game, Amanjot showed maturity under pressure, while Deepti combined patience with precision. Their stand was eventually broken when Amanjot fell to a sharp boundary catch, but India had regained momentum.

The finishing touches came from Sneh Rana, who smashed an unbeaten 28 off just 15 balls. Her aggressive cameo lifted India to 269/8 in their 47 overs, giving the bowlers a target to defend with confidence.

Sri Lanka’s reply mirrored India’s early struggle. At 45/1, they appeared steady, and captain Chamari Athapaththu (43) added a crucial 52-run stand with Harshitha Samarawickrama (29). However, once Athapaththu departed, the middle order faltered. Despite a brief flourish from Nilakshika Silva (35 off 29), Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed under sustained pressure from India’s spinners.

Deepti Sharma once again starred with the ball, returning figures of 3/54. Sneh Rana provided the perfect foil with 2/32 in her full quota, while youngster N Shree Charani impressed with 2/37. Amanjot also chipped in with a wicket, capping off a memorable World Cup debut.

Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding further compounded their woes, as they dropped six catches, allowing India to build momentum at crucial moments. Their inability to rotate strike in the middle overs, including a 50-ball boundary drought, eventually cost them the game.

For India, the victory set the tone for their World Cup campaign, with the all-round strength of Deepti, Sneh, and Amanjot standing out as the highlight of the opener.

Brief Scores:

India 269/8 in 47 overs (Amanjot Kaur 57, Deepti Sharma 53, Harleen Deol 48, Sneh Rana 28*; Inoka Ranaweera 4/46, Udeshika Prabhodhani 2/55)

Sri Lanka 211 all out in 45.4 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 43, Nilakshika Silva 35; Deepti Sharma 3/54, Sneh Rana 2/32, N Shree Charani 2/37)

Result: India won by 59 runs (DLS 

 India Start Women’s World Cup 2025 with a Win

India began their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign in style, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS) in Guwahati. Deepti Sharma created history as the first Indian to score a half-century and take three wickets in a World Cup match. Alongside Amanjot Kaur’s composed 57 and Sneh Rana’s fiery 28*, she helped India recover from 124/6 to post 269/8. The bowlers then took charge, with Deepti, Rana, and youngster N Shree Charani dismantling Sri Lanka for 211. A brilliant all-round effort ensured India’s strong start to the tournament and set the tone for the matches ahead.