Guwahati, September 30, 2025 – The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 begins with a blockbuster clash as host nation India Women face Sri Lanka Women today at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
The opener promises high-intensity action, with both sides eager to set the tone for their tournament campaigns.
India, a two-time finalist, enters the competition with confidence and home advantage. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has urged her team to start strong, banking on a deep batting order led by star opener Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, who has scored nearly a thousand runs in 2025 alone, will be partnered by the explosive Pratika Rawal. With Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Kaur herself in the middle order, India will look to overwhelm the Sri Lankan attack. The team’s bowling strength lies in Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma, making them formidable in home conditions.
Sri Lanka, however, is determined to spoil the party. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu will lead from the front, supported by key batters Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, and Vishmi Gunaratne. Their bowling attack, featuring veterans like Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari, will need to find early breakthroughs to challenge India’s top order.
With India enjoying a dominant head-to-head record, they enter as favorites, but Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit ensures no room for complacency. Fans in Guwahati can expect an electrifying opener as the Women’s World Cup gets underway.