Guwahati, September 30, 2025 – Host nation India kicked off their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WCWC) 2025 campaign with a commanding 59-run win over Sri Lanka in a rain-hit opener at Barsapara Stadium. Despite early setbacks, the Indian team showed grit and depth to secure victory in front of a passionate home crowd.
After being asked to bat first, India suffered a collapse when Smriti Mandhana’s early dismissal was followed by quick wickets, reducing them to 124/6. However, Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur produced a match-turning 103-run partnership, rescuing their side from deep trouble. Sneh Rana’s late cameo lifted the score to 269, a total that looked competitive under challenging conditions.
Sri Lanka bowled with discipline, with Inoka Ranaweera taking four wickets, but dropped catches cost them dearly. Chamari Athapaththu admitted after the match that missed opportunities in the field shifted the momentum back to India.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 271 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka began steadily, with Athapaththu and Samarawickrama finding early boundaries. But once the skipper was dismissed, the innings faltered. India’s spinners tightened the noose, with Deepti Sharma starring again, claiming three wickets to cap her all-round brilliance.
Awarded Player of the Match, Deepti credited the partnership with Amanjot for stabilizing the innings and emphasized the importance of sticking to her bowling strengths. She noted that winning the first match sets the tone for the World Cup, and India will look to carry this momentum forward.