India-W eye winning start to ODI World Cup as Sri Lanka-W pose formidable challenge
The much-anticipated Women's ODI World Cup kicks off today with a clash between India and Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with the hosts eager to launch their campaign on a winning note. India have been quite a powerhouse in recent times and their performance against Australia in the recently concluded three-match ODI series, despite a 2-1 defeat, sent ripples through the cricketing circle.
The hosts have been experimenting with their batting unit, which has shown glimpses of promise. However, the transition from the top order to the lower middle-order has been a work in progress, a concern that Amol Muzumdar would want ironed out as the tournament progresses. Their defeat in the first warm-up game against England saw the frowns intensifying but an excellent rally against New Zealand in their second warm-up clash pacified the nerves in the Indian dug-out.
Sri Lanka has a unique mix of youth and experience with Chamari Athapaththu, Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani leading the lines. For India, it will be the seasoned trio of Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma who will be at the forefront of the charge.
Despite India leading the psychological battle ahead of the game, yet, Kaur and co. might resort to caution before shifting gears as this is the first clash of the tournament. India have been touted as one of the favourites to be in title contention in the latest iteration of the fray and their recent form reinforces that belief.
Venue Watch:
History suggests that the Barsapara pitch has always been a conducive one for batters with reliable carry. When it comes to the duel between the pacers and spinners, the seamers will have an advantage, considering the drift and the bounce that the surface has to offer. However, once the lacquer is off, batters will have the advantage in Guwahati which might lead this to be a high-scoring encounter.
X-Factors:
• Pratika Rawal - The youngster hailing from Haryana has been in menacing form in ODIs. Her chemistry with Smriti Mandhana can be a massive momentum-shifter at the top of the innings.
• Deepti Sharma - The seasoned all-rounder has been an absolute titan in the lower middle-order with the bat in her hands while being a maverick with the ball. Her consistency coupled with her knack of producing the all-important breakthroughs at crucial junctures of the game, makes her a significant threat.
Match details:
Match - India vs Sri Lanka, ICC Women's ODI World Cup
Venue - Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Date - 30th September, 2025
Time - 3:00 PM
Head-to-head:
Matches played - 35
India - 31
Sri Lanka - 3
Squads:
India:
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Shree Charani
Sri Lanka:
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani, Piumi Wathsala Badalge, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Nilakshi de Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Imesha Dulani
