IND W VS SL W MATCH 1

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as host India Women take on Sri Lanka Women in the opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. India Women, a two-time finalist, is looking to kick-start their campaign with a strong win, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur is banking on her side delivering a clinical performance. With a dominant head-to-head record against Sri Lanka, India will aim to continue their winning streak, led by a potent batting lineup featuring in-form opener Smriti Mandhana, who has amassed almost a thousand runs since January 2025, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, and Deepti Sharma. The spotlight will shine brightly on the opening duo of Smriti and Pratika, who have been in sensational form heading into the tournament. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, will be looking to upset the hosts, relying on their top scorers Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Nilakshi de Silva to challenge India's bowlers, who include Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, and Deepti Sharma. Sri Lanka's bowling unit, featuring Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, and Malki Madara, will be looking to deliver crucial breakthroughs and put India on the back foot, setting the stage for an exciting contest between two talented teams. We can expect a close encounter as these sides collide.