On a day that blended history, celebration, and nature’s embrace, India Women opened their World Cup 2025 campaign with a 59-run win (DLS) over Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
At the ACA Stadium, a sizeable crowd watched Harmanpreet Kaur’s side survive a major scare from Lankan veteran Inoka Ranaweera’s fiery spell.
Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma’s crucial stand lifted India to a fighting total before the bowlers, led by Deepti’s three-wicket haul, sealed the win.
Disciplined start, Ranaweera’s spell of fire
Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first paid off immediately. The bowlers maintained tight lines, rarely straying off the stumps, while the fielders backed them up by cutting off the easy singles. When Udeshika Prabodani gave Smriti Mandhana the slightest of width, the southpaw fell for the bait while trying to loft one over cover and departed for eight in the fourth over.
Then came the real plot twist. Inoka Ranaweera turned the screws in her fourth over, the 26th of India’s innings. Within the space of five deliveries, the veteran spinner sent back Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur to put Sri Lanka in command.
Wasted opportunities
India, tottering at 124 for six, was suddenly all at sea, and the Sri Lankans looked to make further inroads. But in pressing for another breakthrough, Chamari Athapaththu’s side lost its rhythm, allowing India to chug along.
Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma seized the opportunity, adding 103 for the seventh wicket to swing momentum back in India’s favour. Amanjot, coming off an injury layoff, counterpunched with intent while Deepti anchored smartly. Both raised fifties, before Sneh Rana’s brisk cameo gave India a late flourish.
Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma added 103 runs for the seventh wicket.
| Photo Credit:
RITURAJ KONWAR
Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma added 103 runs for the seventh wicket.
| Photo Credit:
RITURAJ KONWAR
Off-spin duo shine
Athapaththu, tasked with carrying Sri Lanka’s chase, quickly found her stride, piercing the Indian attack with ease. Sensing the danger, Harmanpreet turned to her trusted off-spinners, Sneh Rana and Deepti, before the PowerPlay ended. Bowling in tandem, they probed and teased, plotting a way past the skipper.
Sneh’s miserly, boundary-less overs nudged Athapaththu to target Deepti, who bided her time before striking gold. Off the final ball of the 15th over, Athapaththu swung hard at a full, quick delivery, missed it completely, and the stumps flew. The trap worked to perfection.
Thereon, the Sri Lankan batters were unable to build meaningful partnerships. Nilakshika de Silva kept the team’s hopes alive, but wickets fell at regular intervals, denying the side a victory.
Published on Oct 01, 2025
