India’s Deepti Sharma played a starring role with both bat and ball as India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method) in the rain-affected opening match of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in Guwahati.
Sharma’s all-round performance was instrumental as India posted 269 for 8 in their 47 overs, with her scoring 53 runs and later taking three wickets for 54. India had looked in trouble at 124 for 6, after a dramatic middle-order collapse saw them lose four wickets for just four runs in 11 balls. However, Sharma, along with Amanjot Kaur, rescued India with a seventh-wicket partnership of 103 runs. Kaur, who contributed a vital 57, helped steady the ship, while tailender Sneh Rana added an important 28 not out.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Inoka Ranaweera, fought back with a strong performance. Ranaweera claimed four wickets for 46, including key dismissals of Harleen Deol (48), Jemimah Rodrigues (0), and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (21). Despite her efforts, Sri Lanka’s chances were hurt by missed opportunities in the field, with Ranaweera herself guilty of dropping a catch off Kaur’s innings.
When Sri Lanka began their chase, they showed early promise with a solid 52-run partnership between captain Chamari Athapaththu (43) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (29). However, the chase faltered as India’s bowlers, led by Sharma’s three-wicket haul, took control. Sharma’s wickets included that of Athapaththu, which dampened Sri Lanka’s hopes. Other key contributions came from Rana, who dismissed Nilakshika Silva (35), and India successfully bowled Sri Lanka out for 211 in 46 overs.
Sharma’s all-round contribution was widely praised by her teammates, with Harmanpreet Kaur commending the calm and maturity of both Sharma and Kaur under pressure. “The way they handled the situation was outstanding,” Kaur said, expressing her satisfaction with the team’s performance.
With this victory, India made a strong start in the tournament, and they now look forward to their next challenge against Pakistan in Colombo. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back as they face Australia in their next group-stage match.
