India began their 2025 Women’s World Cup journey with a commanding performance, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method) in the tournament opener at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. The win not only provided a strong start to their campaign but also highlighted the depth and resilience of the squad.
Opting to bat first in a rain-affected contest reduced to 47 overs per side, India faced early setbacks. The top and middle order struggled against disciplined Sri Lankan bowling, slipping to 124 for 6 at one stage. Just when pressure threatened to derail the innings, all-rounder Deepti Sharma showcased her composure and class. She anchored the recovery with a well-constructed 53, blending caution with timely aggression to rebuild India’s innings. Partnering with Amanjot Kaur, who contributed a gritty knock, Deepti added a crucial seventh-wicket stand worth over a hundred runs. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but lifted India to a competitive total of 269 for 8. A late cameo from Sneh Rana added further momentum, ensuring India carried confidence into the bowling phase.
Sri Lanka’s chase began with some promise, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, who top-scored with 43. However, the Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Deepti once again, quickly turned the tide. She backed up her batting heroics with a disciplined spell of 3 for 54, dismantling the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting order. The spinners exploited the conditions effectively, while India’s fielding unit maintained pressure throughout. Sri Lanka, despite occasional resistance, fell behind the required rate and were eventually bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs, confirming India’s 59-run triumph under the DLS method.
The match underlined India’s ability to absorb pressure and respond with depth. While the top order misfired, the lower middle order stepped up when needed most, a factor that could prove crucial as the tournament progresses. Deepti Sharma’s all-round display stood out as the defining contribution, reinforcing her status as one of India’s key match-winners. Her calm under pressure and ability to deliver with both bat and ball will remain vital in India’s push for World Cup glory.
However, there are lessons to take forward. India’s batting unit cannot afford repeated collapses against stronger bowling attacks, and the team will be keen to ensure stability at the top. At the same time, the bowling unit’s discipline and adaptability provided encouragement, showing India’s capacity to defend totals even when conditions are not fully in their favor.
For Sri Lanka, the loss highlighted the heavy reliance on Athapaththu. Without significant contributions from others in the batting order, their campaign risks being undermined early.
Overall, India’s emphatic start sends a clear message to their rivals—they are here not just to compete but to control the narrative of the tournament. With momentum on their side, the hosts now look ahead to building consistency, fueled by belief that they can handle setbacks and still find ways to win. This victory could serve as the foundation for a serious title challenge.
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