India vs Sri Lanka match Preview as Women’s World Cup kicks off with very little to separate the two sides.
India vs Sri Lanka kicks off a Women’s World Cup with a difference.
In Guwahati, the contrasts were subtle but telling on the eve of the tournament’s opening. India’s training session was precise, self-assured, and light. Before Rana demonstrated her offspin grip for him, India’s bowling coach, Avishkar Salvi, gave it a try. Kranti Goud responded to match-specific obstacles and stormed in with rhythm. It showed a crew that appeared to be at ease.
Sri Lanka had had a more subdued, deliberate session earlier in the day. Before swiftly switching to the nets, they began with catching drills. However, it wasn’t all work and no play. Sugandika Kumari joked with fellow offspinner Dewmi Vihanga about why her grip was superior, while left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera made fun of inexperienced seamer Malki Madara for getting Hasini Perera leg before wicket.
The shift has been noticeable since the 2022 edition, when schedules were affected by the pandemic and there was little advance planning. Arriving with 31 games under their belt, Sri Lanka had not played an ODI in three years and had not qualified at the time. India has played 38 games since the last edition, including 14 this year, making them the busiest team.
“We’ve played more ODI cricket after the last T20 World Cup,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said. “We have won most of the games. That has definitely given us a lot of confidence to do well in ODI cricket. We now have a lot of experience. This group has played together for so many years. There is a lot more clarity.”
Jemimah Rodrigues will play in her first 50-over World Cup competition against Sri Lanka. She is a natural top-order batswoman who has adapted to India’s middle order with ease. Rodrigues demonstrated her ability to finish during India’s last two series, the tri-series against South Africa in Sri Lanka and the tour of England, and she struck her first ODI century earlier this year. Rodrigues will want to make her World Cup debut unforgettable, especially because the ACA Stadium pitch is predicted to be flat.
With the new ball, Udeshika Prabodhani, a seasoned left-arm seamer, will be crucial for Sri Lanka. Throughout the field limits, her ability to swing the ball and keep control has been crucial. With her inswingers, she could challenge Pratika Rawal, the right-hand opener for India.
However, Prabodhani hasn’t played in an ODI since August 2024 and last participated in international cricket at the 2024 T20 World Cup, thus match rustiness might be a contributing issue. However, Sri Lanka shouldn’t be too concerned if her performance in the most recent warm-up match is any guide. She went 2 for 26 from six overs, including two maidens.