India Vs Sri Lanka

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 began with a high-voltage clash between India and Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. In front of an energetic crowd and with millions watching across the world, the Indian women’s cricket team overcame a shaky start to secure a commanding 59-run victory in the opening encounter. The win showcased India’s resilience, highlighted the depth of their squad, and underlined why they remain one of the top contenders for this year’s title.

This article provides a detailed 2000-word breakdown of the match, covering India’s innings, Sri Lanka’s chase, standout performances, turning points, and what the result means for both teams going forward in the tournament.

India’s Innings: From Collapse to Comeback

The start of India’s innings was far from ideal. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the top order faltered against disciplined bowling from Sri Lanka. Star batters Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur could not convert their starts, leaving India exposed. Within the first 20 overs, India found themselves wobbling at 124 for 6, and the prospect of a below-par total loomed large.

Just when the Sri Lankans sensed an opportunity to take complete control, the Indian lower order staged a remarkable fightback. The duo of Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma put together a sensational 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket, stabilizing the innings and shifting momentum back in India’s favor.

Amanjot Kaur batted with intent and flair, scoring 57 runs off just 56 balls. Her shot selection was impeccable, mixing aggressive boundaries with smart rotation of strike.
Deepti Sharma, on the other hand, played a measured knock of 53 from 53 balls. Known for her composure under pressure, she absorbed the challenge and anchored the innings with maturity.

The recovery effort ensured India reached a competitive 269/8 in 47 overs, after rain reduced the match from 50 overs to 47 overs per side.

Sri Lanka’s standout bowler was Inoka Ranaweera, who dismantled the Indian top order with her crafty left-arm spin. She returned impressive figures of 4 wickets for 46 runs in 7 overs, keeping her team in the contest. Despite her efforts, the late fireworks from Amanjot and Deepti tilted the balance toward India.

Sri Lanka’s Chase: Aggression Meets Spin Web

Chasing a target of 270 (adjusted due to DLS), Sri Lanka began their innings with energy and determination. Their captain and star batter, Chamari Athapaththu, led from the front with her trademark attacking intent. She smashed a six and a boundary in one over off Deepti Sharma, signaling Sri Lanka’s intent to go for the chase rather than play conservatively.

However, India’s bowling attack—particularly the spinners—soon turned the game on its head.

Deepti Sharma, continuing her all-round brilliance, picked up 3 crucial wickets and constantly troubled the Sri Lankan batters with her variations.
Sneh Rana complemented her perfectly with 2 wickets, breaking partnerships and keeping the pressure intact.
The Indian pacers bowled tight lines initially, but it was the spin attack that truly strangled Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.

As the innings progressed, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals. At one stage, they were 8 down, still needing 87 runs off 61 balls, which made the equation nearly impossible.

One defining moment came when Nilakshi de Silva, after being dropped earlier, attempted a risky scoop shot off Sneh Rana. This time, she was caught, extinguishing whatever hopes Sri Lanka had of staging a comeback.

Despite Athapaththu’s initial flourish, no other Sri Lankan batter could provide sustained resistance. The team eventually crumbled, handing India a 59-run victory and a confident start to their World Cup campaign.

Key Performances That Defined the Match

1. Deepti Sharma – The All-Round Star

Deepti Sharma was undoubtedly the player of the match. Her 53 runs with the bat rescued India from a dire position, while her 3 wickets with the ball ensured Sri Lanka never got close to the target. Her performance epitomized the value of a genuine all-rounder in modern cricket.

2. Amanjot Kaur – The Unsung Hero

While Deepti grabbed the headlines, Amanjot’s fearless 57 was equally vital. At a time when India desperately needed runs, she counterattacked with confidence and stitched a match-defining partnership.

3. Inoka Ranaweera – Sri Lanka’s Bright Spark

Ranaweera’s 4-wicket haul gave Sri Lanka real hope during India’s innings. Her intelligent variations and ability to dismiss set batters reminded everyone why she is considered one of the most consistent performers in the Sri Lankan lineup.

Turning Points of the Match

India’s Collapse to 124/6: At this stage, Sri Lanka were completely on top and looked set to restrict India below 200.
Amanjot and Deepti’s Partnership: The 103-run stand not only took India past 250 but also gave the bowlers a cushion to defend.
Athapaththu’s Early Aggression: Her quick boundaries threatened India briefly, but her dismissal stalled Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Nilakshi de Silva’s Dismissal: Just when Sri Lanka needed someone to anchor the chase, she played a rash shot and handed control back to India.

Tactical Analysis

India’s success lay in their ability to adapt. After losing early wickets, they switched gears and focused on building partnerships rather than chasing boundaries recklessly. The decision to promote Amanjot lower down the order paid dividends.

On the bowling front, India used their spinners effectively. Recognizing the conditions at Barsapara, captain Harmanpreet Kaur rotated her spinners frequently, ensuring Sri Lanka never settled against one particular bowler. The field placements were aggressive, cutting off singles and forcing risky shots.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to capitalize on India’s early collapse. Their batters played with aggression but lacked the temperament to build partnerships. Poor shot selection at crucial moments cost them dearly.

Match Statistics at a Glance

India’s Score: 269/8 in 47 overs
Top Scorers:
- Amanjot Kaur – 57 (56 balls)
- Deepti Sharma – 53 (53 balls)
Sri Lanka’s Bowling:
- Inoka Ranaweera – 4/46 (7 overs)
Sri Lanka’s Chase: All out, falling short by 59 runs
Key Indian Bowlers:
- Deepti Sharma – 3 wickets
- Sneh Rana – 2 wickets

What This Win Means for India

Starting a World Cup campaign with a win is always crucial, but this victory carries added significance for India. It not only gives them two points but also boosts their net run rate (NRR), which can be decisive later in the tournament.

Moreover, the match highlighted India’s depth and ability to recover from setbacks. With the top order misfiring, it was the lower order that stepped up. Such resilience bodes well for the team as they prepare for tougher challenges against stronger opponents like Australia and England.

Concerns for Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka, this result is a setback, but not an unexpected one given India’s superior ranking. The positives include Ranaweera’s bowling and Athapaththu’s fearless approach. However, the lack of consistency in the middle order and poor shot selection remain big concerns.

If they aim to progress in the tournament, Sri Lanka will need their batters to complement Athapaththu’s aggression with patience and partnerships.

Expert Takeaways

India’s spin attack looks like a major weapon in this World Cup, especially on subcontinent pitches.
Deepti Sharma is in peak form, and her dual skills give India balance and flexibility.
Sri Lanka’s overreliance on Athapaththu continues to be their Achilles’ heel. Unless others step up, their campaign could be a struggle.

Conclusion

The opening clash of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 set the stage for an exciting tournament. India’s 59-run win over Sri Lanka was a tale of recovery, strategy, and execution. From the brilliance of Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur’s gritty fightback to the spin trio suffocating Sri Lanka’s chase, the match had all the ingredients of high-quality cricket.

For India, this victory is not just about two points but also about sending a strong message to their rivals—they can handle adversity and still dominate. For Sri Lanka, it’s back to the drawing board, with focus needed on batting partnerships and better temperament under pressure.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, but this opener will be remembered for India’s resilience and Deepti Sharma’s all-round heroics.