Fans go wild as Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance seals India’s 59-run win against Sri Lanka in CWC 2025 opener in Guwahati

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India began their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 59-run win against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. After a mid-innings collapse threatened their batting momentum, Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur steadied the ship with crucial half-centuries, lifting India to a competitive 269/8. In reply, Sri Lanka started positively through captain Chamari Athapaththu but faltered against disciplined Indian bowling, folding for 211 in 45.4 overs. The opening game set the tone for India’s campaign, showcasing both resilience with the bat and sharp execution with the ball.

India’s batting innings was a rollercoaster ride. Smriti Mandhana’s early dismissal for just eight put pressure on the top order, but Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48) built a steady platform. However, Inoka Ranaweera’s brilliant spell blew away India’s middle order, dismissing Harleen, Jemimah Rodrigues for a golden duck and captain Harmanpreet Kaur in quick succession. From 120/2, India slumped to 124/6, staring at a below-par total.

It was then that Deepti (53) and Amanjot (57) produced a game-changing 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket, the second-highest in Women’s World Cup history for that position. Amanjot, playing her comeback match after injury, combined controlled aggression with smart placement, while Deepti anchored calmly with calculated stroke play. Their stand revived India’s hopes and allowed Sneh Rana to launch a late cameo of unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, pushing the score to 269/8 in 47 overs. This fighting recovery ensured India had a strong total to defend despite the collapse triggered by Sri Lanka’s spinners.

Also WATCH: CWC 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol fall in the same over to Sri Lankan veteran Inoka Ranaweera – IND-W vs SL-W

Sri Lanka’s chase began with intent, as skipper Athapaththu blazed her way to 43 off 47 balls, including three sixes. But India’s bowlers kept chipping away at crucial moments. Kranti Goud struck first by removing Hasini Perera, while Deepti’s flat, quick delivery castled Athapaththu to swing momentum India’s way. Shree Charani and Amanjot applied further pressure, dismissing Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne in successive overs.

Despite a fighting knock from Nilakshika Silva (35 off 29), Sri Lanka could not stitch together lasting partnerships. Deepti finished with three wickets, while Rana’s miserly spell of 2/32 squeezed the middle order. Pratika Rawal also chipped in late, cleaning up Ranaweera to seal the result. India’s bowlers displayed discipline with tight lines, controlled variations, and sharp fielding, restricting Sri Lanka well below the target. The 59-run win not only gave India a strong start but also highlighted their depth in both batting recovery and bowling firepower, making them early contenders for the title.

India were tested at 124/6 with the bat & again when SL were 80/1 in the chase. Both times they delivered. Exactly the kind of pressure moments you want them to ace in ICC events. Very good opening game for Team India. #INDvSL #CWC25

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 30, 2025

Not a perfect game. But a perfect start to the campaign. Plenty of positives for Team India. Sneh Rana. Amanjot Kaur. Deol. Dipti. Rawal. Upwards and onwards. #CWC25 #IndvSL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 30, 2025

Victory without big contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues or Harmanpreet Kaur. That's a positive. #INDvSL #CWC25

— Anirudh (@AnirudhVelamuri) September 30, 2025

Amanjot is the most important player for this team she brings the balance in this indian team . What a fantastic knock by her

— Archer (@poserarcher) September 30, 2025

Deepti’s voice will continue to amuse me ! Never disappoints #Forever #TheSoundOfHerVoice #DSP

— AsliBCCIWomen (@AsliBCCIWomen) September 30, 2025

Best of both worlds ft. Deepti Sharma 🫡#AaliRe #CWC25 #INDvSL

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 30, 2025

Deepti Sharma has 70+ Average & 100+ Strike Rate in ODIs in 2025.

Amazing numbers, she's received a lot of trolls in the past, but she's been the backbone in the lower order for India. 🔥

— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) September 30, 2025

Deepti Sharma has improved a lot as a batter these past couple of years. Striking at over 90 and averaging over 50 while doing it.

Not to forget that she is the leading wicket taker for IndW in this period as well. Top top all rounder.

— ParteekNotPrateek (@randomcricfacts) September 30, 2025

A middle order collapse like today is never welcome. Stronger teams will not allow a comeback .. But gave an opportunity to the lower middle order to show their grit and fighting spirit. And that might be the differentiator in many games to follow ! If they go on to win, it’ll…

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 30, 2025

Deepti Sharma shines with both bat (53) & ball (3/54) to claim Player of the Match🏏💙#women #cricket #DeeptiSharma #CWC25 #indiancricketteam

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) September 30, 2025

Also WATCH: Women’s World Cup: Shreya Ghoshal’s soulful rendition of national anthem sparks patriotism ahead of IND-W vs SL-W game

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.