The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup officially exploded into action with a thrilling opening fixture that saw co-hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The highly-anticipated curtain-raiser, the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women World Cup Match 2025 Highlights, was a true showcase of courage, resilience, and all-round cricket, ultimately ending in a 59-run victory for the home side via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
This comprehensive post breaks down every crucial moment—from the initial struggles faced by the Indian batting lineup to the match-winning seventh-wicket stand and the spinners’ chokehold that sealed the win. If you missed the nail-biting action, here is your definitive recap of a day where new stars emerged and experienced campaigners delivered under pressure.
The Build-Up: An Opening Clash of Co-Hosts
The atmosphere at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium was electric, setting a new opening-day attendance record for the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The weight of expectation was immense for the Indian team, who are playing in front of their passionate home crowd and chasing their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title. Sri Lanka, led by the phenomenal Chamari Athapaththu, came in as dark horses, riding on recent good form and aiming to cause a massive upset in the tournament’s first game.
Sri Lanka Wins the Toss, Rain Plays a Part
The toss proved crucial when Sri Lanka won and elected to field first, hoping to utilise the early moisture in the pitch and the overcast conditions. The match was interrupted by rain, reducing the contest to 47 overs per side—a factor that added a layer of tactical complexity to both innings.
India’s Innings: From Crisis to Command
India’s top order struggled significantly against a disciplined and inspired Sri Lankan pace attack, coupled with the guile of veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera.
Ranaweera’s Web and Early Stumbles
The Indian openers failed to provide the brisk start the team is known for. The middle order then succumbed to a masterful spell from the left-arm orthodox spinner, Inoka Ranaweera, who ripped through the lineup with a brilliant four-wicket haul. At a precarious 124/6, the home side was staring down the barrel of a low total.
- Key Wickets: Smriti Mandhana (early), and the crucial removal of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
- Statistic: Inoka Ranaweera’s final figures of 4/46 were instrumental in applying early pressure, marking one of the best opening-day spells in recent World Cup history.
The Game-Changing Partnership
It was here that the Indian deep batting line-up truly shone. The 25-year-old World Cup debutante Amanjot Kaur, alongside the seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma, forged a spectacular 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Their aggressive yet calculated approach rescued the innings.
| Player | Runs (Balls) | Strike Rate | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanjot Kaur | 57 (56) | 101.78 | Aggressive lower-order batter |
| Deepti Sharma | 53 (53) | 100.00 | Anchor & All-rounder |
Their vital stand propelled India to a competitive total of 269/8 in 47 overs, shifting the momentum firmly back to the co-hosts.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: The Spin Trap
Chasing a revised DLS target of 271 runs, Sri Lanka started with intent. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the charge, using her trademark power-hitting to keep the required run-rate in check during the powerplay.
India’s Spin-Dominance Secures Victory
The introduction of the Indian spin trio proved to be the turning point. As the pitch began to slow down, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and the emerging Shree Charani used flight, drift, and accuracy to completely stifle the chase.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final 2025: A Nail-Biting Victory
Deepti Sharma was rightly awarded the Player of the Match for her all-round performance—a heroic fifty with the bat followed by a clinical spell with the ball.
As former India player and commentator Anjum Chopra observed, “This Indian side showed today that they are more than just a top order. The depth in their batting, especially with players like Amanjot Kaur stepping up, is what will define their campaign.”
Key Factors in Sri Lanka’s Collapse:
- Choking the Middle Overs: The Indian spinners restricted boundaries and piled up dot balls, forcing risky shots.
- Deepti’s Breakthrough: Deepti Sharma took the crucial wicket of Athapaththu, ending any hope of a quick chase.
- Lack of Depth: Unlike India, the lower Sri Lankan middle-order failed to handle the pressure, resulting in a flurry of wickets.
Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 211 runs in 45.4 overs, handing India a decisive 59-run victory and crucial points to kick off their World Cup campaign.
Key Takeaways and Road Ahead
The victory underscores India’s status as a tournament favourite, especially in home conditions where their spinners are lethal. For Sri Lanka, the fight shown by Ranaweera and a brief partnership in the chase offers a silver lining, but they must improve their batting depth and consistency to compete against the world’s best.
The Indian team will next face arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated contest in Colombo on October 5th. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against the mighty Australians.
To read about the tactical masterclass displayed by the Indian bowlers in this format.
- Left Side: A celebratory photo of Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur after their century partnership.
- Right Side: The match scorecard summary showing India (269/8) beating Sri Lanka (211 all out) by 59 runs (DLS).
- Caption: India’s Crisis Solvers: Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma.
FAQs on India Women vs Sri Lanka Women World Cup Match 2025
What was the final result of the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women World Cup Match 2025?
India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 59 runs via the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method in the tournament opener on September 30, 2025.
Who was the Player of the Match in the India vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2025 opener?
All-rounder Deepti Sharma was named the Player of the Match for her crucial knock of 53 and a match-winning spell of 3/54.
Which players were key performers in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women match?
Key performers included India’s Amanjot Kaur (57) and Deepti Sharma (53 & 3/54), and Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera, who took an excellent 4/46.
Where was the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opening match played?
The opening match between India and Sri Lanka was played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India.
What is the DLS method in cricket and why was it used?
The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method is a mathematical formula used in rain-affected limited-overs cricket matches to calculate a revised target for the team batting second. It was used in this match due to rain interruptions that reduced the game to 47 overs per side.
Final Verdict: A Campaign Kicked Off in Style
The thrilling victory for India against Sri Lanka was more than just a win; it was a statement. It demonstrated that this Indian squad possesses the temperament and the depth to navigate tricky situations and succeed on the biggest stage. With momentum now on their side, the journey towards the final on November 2nd has begun with confidence.
What was your favourite moment from the game? Share your thoughts below!
