India’s debutant removes Hasini Perera after Sri Lanka restricts hosts to 250-plus in Guwahati
India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign began with drama as debutant Kranti Gaud struck the first blow, cleaning up Sri Lanka opener Hasini Perera in the tournament opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
India Fight Back After Top-Order Collapse
Earlier, India were in deep trouble at 124/6 after Inoka Ranaweera ripped through the middle order, dismissing Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in quick succession. Richa Ghosh also fell cheaply to Chamari Athapaththu, leaving India reeling.
But Deepti Sharma (59) and Amanjot Kaur (67) steadied the innings with a crucial 103-run seventh-wicket stand. Sneh Rana’s late cameo of 28 off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, pushed India past 250 in the rain-curtailed 48-over contest.
Ranaweera Creates History
Sri Lanka’s veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets. At 38, she became the oldest player to claim a four-wicket haul in Women’s World Cup history, underlining her impact.
Key Dismissals in the Powerplay
Sri Lanka started strongly when Udeshika Prabodani dismissed Smriti Mandhana in the powerplay. The in-form Indian opener attempted to clear the off-side but ended up slicing to deep cover, where Vishmi Gunaratne held on after a juggle.
Tournament Opener in Guwahati
The much-anticipated clash opened the 14th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India. While Harmanpreet Kaur’s India are seen as strong contenders for a maiden title, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka return to the competition after eight years, last defeating India on home soil in 2013.