The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 kicks off with a home-nation encounter between India and Sri Lanka today, September 30, at 3:00 PM IST at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium.
India enter the World Cup with confidence, having played 38 ODIs since the previous edition. After a rough start in the warm-ups, which included a loss to England, India rebounded with a convincing victory against New Zealand. Their batting team is in fantastic form, anchored by Smriti Mandhana and new phenom Pratika Rawal. Spinners such as Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma have been helpful in middle-over control. A few individual duels might influence the outcome. The Indian openers against Udeshika Prabodhani’s pace might determine early momentum. Furthermore, Deepti Sharma and Athapaththu will be fighting in the middle overs. Jemimah Rodrigues, marking her 50-over World Cup debut, will be under pressure to keep India’s middle order together if necessary. Lower-order striking and death-over precision might keep the game in a tense finish.
Sri Lanka, on the contrary, have had greater match experience than in prior years, playing 31 ODIs after 2022. Harshitha Samarawickrama has been a notable batter, averaging over 50 this year, while Chamari Athapaththu is their most experienced and key player. Young spinner Dewmi Vihanga has also excelled and might be an asset on Indian surfaces.
Head-to-Head:
Over the years, India have dominated Sri Lanka in women’s ODIs. India have won 31 of its 35 matches, losing only three. India have won four of the past five meetings between the two teams. However, Sri Lanka have occasionally surprised in multi-nation competitions and will look to catch India off guard in the opener.
Where to Watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: JioHotstar
