India made a confident start to their home Women’s World Cup campaign, holding their nerve in a rain-affected opener to defeat co-hosts Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method) at the Nehru Stadium.
The match, which saw momentum swing both ways, ultimately belonged to India’s all-round depth and the brilliance of Deepti Sharma, who etched her name in history with a landmark performance. Asked to bat first in damp conditions, India’s top order faltered early against Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack. Openers struggled to convert starts, and the pressure mounted when Inoka Ranaweera produced a magical over that turned the contest on its head. She dismissed Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur in quick succession, reducing India to 122/5 in the 26th over.
The collapse threatened to derail India’s innings before a resilient lower order stepped up. With wickets tumbling at one end, it was the trio of Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, and Sneh Rana who stood tall to script a remarkable recovery.
Amanjot and Deepti: A Stand for the Ages
At 126/6, India appeared in deep trouble. But debutant Amanjot Kaur and the experienced Deepti Sharma stitched together a 100-run partnership for the seventh wicket only the second century stand for that wicket in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
Amanjot displayed nerves of steel, scoring a fluent 50 off 45 balls on her World Cup debut, ensuring India’s innings didn’t lose momentum. Deepti, anchoring from the other end, played with characteristic composure, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
Their partnership lifted India to a competitive score of 269/8 in 44 overs before rain briefly interrupted play again. It was a remarkable turnaround, considering the precarious position the team was in after losing three of its most reliable batters in quick succession. The star of the day, however, was undoubtedly Deepti Sharma. With the bat, she top-scored with 53 off 53 deliveries, guiding India through their middle-order crisis. With the ball, she delivered a spell that swung the match firmly in India’s favour.
Deepti’s dismissal of Sri Lanka’s talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu (43) was the game’s decisive moment. Athapaththu had looked dangerous, stepping down the pitch with intent, but Deepti deceived her with flight and turn, sneaking the ball through her defence to bowl her out. Finishing with 3/54 in 10 overs, Deepti became the first Indian woman to score 50+ runs and take 3+ wickets in a World Cup match. The performance also elevated her to second place in India’s all-time women’s ODI wicket-takers list with 142 wickets, behind only the legendary Jhulan Goswami (255).
Unsurprisingly, Deepti was adjudged Player of the Match, a recognition of her complete influence on the contest.
Sri Lanka’s Resistance and India’s Response
Chasing a revised target of 271 runs, Sri Lanka began positively, with opener Pratika Rawal (37) looking settled before being dismissed by Ranaweera. The middle overs saw Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne attempt to rebuild, but once Deepti broke through, India tightened the screws. Sri Lanka’s hopes flickered when Nilakshika Silva (35 off 28) counterattacked, but her dismissal by Sneh Rana extinguished the fightback. Rana, brought into the attack at a crucial moment, struck immediately to send Silva back, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 173/7 in the 35th over.
From there, the Indian bowlers closed the game clinically, supported by sharp fielding and disciplined spells from the seamers. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out well short, with India sealing their first victory of the tournament in front of a jubilant home crowd.
This win, though shaped by Deepti’s brilliance, was also a testament to the contributions of India’s all-rounders. Amanjot Kaur’s fighting half-century on debut showcased the next generation’s potential, while Sneh Rana’s lower-order resilience and crucial breakthrough with the ball reminded everyone of her value to the side. Together, the trio ensured India’s campaign began on a high, despite the early wobble.
With this victory, India not only gained early momentum in the group stage but also highlighted the balance in their squad. The ability to recover from top-order collapses and deliver under pressure will be vital as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead. The team now travels to Colombo for a much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. The contest, always high on emotion and intensity, promises to be a true test of India’s credentials. Harmanpreet Kaur and her side will look to build on their opening win and carry forward the confidence gained in Guwahati.
The Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati was more than just a win; it was a statement. India, faced with adversity early in their innings, showcased resilience and depth, hallmarks of a side with serious ambitions. At the centre of it all was Deepti Sharma, whose all-round brilliance continues to make her the heartbeat of this team. Her record-breaking feat, combined with support from Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana, ensured India began their home World Cup on the right note. As the tournament progresses, performances like these will inspire belief not only in the dressing room but also among fans eager to see Indian women’s cricket lift the ultimate prize.
Final Score:
India: 269/8 (44 overs) | Sri Lanka: 211 all out (DLS)
Result: India won by 59 runs
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (53 runs, 3/54)
India’s journey has only just begun, but with Deepti leading the charge, the signs are promising.
