The Women's ODI World Cup 2025 saw India survive an early scare against neighbours and co-hosts Sri Lanka, securing a crucial 59-run victory via the DLS method at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The win, coming after a middle-order collapse, was handled by the Indian all-rounders, and some poor ground efforts by the Lankan fielding unit. After being put in to bat in the rain-reduced 47-over-a-side match, India posted 269/8, a total that looked improbable after an experienced spell from Inoka Ranaweera, strangled the India top order.
India's top order struggled for intent, with Smriti Mandhana falling cheaply. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol built a slow partnership before the innings crashed from 120/2 to 124/6 in a flash. Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera was the architect of the collapse, including taking three wickets in a single over, dismissing Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, leaving the Indian dressing room in a state of crisis.
The recovery was led to road by Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur stitching together a vital 103-run stand for the seventh wicket. Amanjot, started her World Cup debut with her maiden ODI fifty, was fortunate to be dropped multiple times, but she capitalized on the chances. A late, cameo from Sneh Rana scoring 28 off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, helped India add 145 runs for the seventh and eighth wickets, collectively more than the six wickets that preceded them.
Chasing a revised target of 271, Sri Lanka started well, thanks to captain Chamari Athapaththu, who looked threatening until Deepti Sharma returned to bowl a quicker, deceiving delivery that yorked her. This was the key moment that swung the momentum back to the hosts. The Indian spinners then took control, with player of the match, Deepti Sharma finishing with 3/54. Shree Charani and Sneh Rana provided crucial breakthroughs to halt the chase.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs, succumbing to the pressure applied by India’s bowling attack. India will look to address the sluggish top-order performance before their next match against Pakistan, understanding the opponents miss fielding won’t always come to their rescue.
