In the first match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS Method) at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
Pratika Rawal, making her World Cup debut, looked confident from the start, opening with a brilliant cover drive and scoring a controlled 37. Smriti Mandhana too started well, but fell after hitting a boundary. Following a short rain delay, Harleen Deol anchored the middle order with a solid 48, sharing a 67-run partnership with Rawal to help stabilise India’s innings. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 21 runs but was unable to score more. The turning moment came in the lower middle order, when Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57) formed a crucial 103-run stand for the seventh wicket. Their gradual yet timed acceleration returned India to a commanding position. The innings concluded on a high note due to Sneh Rana, who hit an unbeaten 28 off only 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 186.67. India compiled a powerful 269/8, with crucial contributions across the board.
In the chase, captain Chamari Athapaththu (43) was the top-run getter as he guided her team in the powerplay. Nilakshi de Silva (35) was another batter to get some runs. Few other batters, Harshitha Madavi (29), Kavisha Dilhari (15) and Achini Kulasuriya (17), also got few runs but couldn’t capitalise on it. The team got bundled for 211 in 45.4 overs.
While defending, Deepti Sharma was brilliant as she took three wickets. Two wickets were also taken by Sneh Rana and Shree Charani, while one wicket each was grabbed by Pratika Rawal, Amanjot Kaur and Kranti Gaud.
For SL with the ball, the 39-year old Inoka Ranaweera scalped four massive wickets, while just giving away 46 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani took two wickets, whereas one wicket each was grabbed by Achini Kulasuriya and skipper Athapaththu.
With this win, India secured two vital points.
Scorecard:
India: 269/8, Overs 47, Amanjot Kaur 57, Inoka Ranaweera 4/46
Sri Lanka: 211/10, Overs 45.4, Chamari Athapaththu 43, Deepti Sharma 3/54
