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-Alok Gupta
Setting the Stage – A Grand Opening Night
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 began under lights, music, and the expectant hum of a packed Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. It wasn’t just a game of cricket; it was the celebration of a new dawn in women’s cricket. Firecrackers lit up the skyline as fans streamed in draped in blue and maroon, waving the flags of India and Sri Lanka with pride.
For India, playing at home added both pressure and motivation. For Sri Lanka, a spirited side with nothing to lose, this was a chance to shock the cricketing world and prove their rising strength on the global stage.
Rain had shortened the game to 47 overs a side, and the damp pitch whispered promises of movement to bowlers. Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu seized the chance by opting to field first after winning the toss.
Early Jitters – India on the Backfoot
The Indian innings began with the elegant Smriti Mandhana and newcomer Pratika Rawal cautiously negotiating the early swing. The first roar came when Mandhana cracked a cover drive through the infield—it was like poetry in motion, timed so sweetly that the ball whistled to the boundary.
But just when it looked like India was settling, disaster struck. Inoka Ranaweera, Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner, trapped Mandhana LBW for 33. Soon after, captain Harmanpreet Kaur perished trying to accelerate, her lofted attempt only reaching mid-off. By the 20th over, India was wobbling at 124/6—a hush of disbelief swept through the stadium.
Sri Lanka’s fielders, sensing history, celebrated each wicket like a final. Their bowlers bowled with discipline, and suddenly the mighty Indian line-up seemed fragile.
The Turning Point – Deepti and Amanjot’s Defiance
Then came the partnership that defined the night. At the crease were Deepti Sharma, India’s rock in the middle order, and Amanjot Kaur, the rising star known for her fearlessness. Together, they scripted a counterattack for the ages.
Deepti played with serenity, nudging singles, guiding twos, and anchoring the innings. Amanjot was her perfect foil—unfazed by the situation, she launched two spectacular sixes, one soaring over long-on that had the crowd on its feet chanting her name.
Their 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket was the soul of India’s innings. From despair at 124/6, they carried the team to a fighting total of 269/8 in 47 overs. As Amanjot raised her bat for her fifty and Deepti followed soon after, the Indian dugout erupted in relief and joy.
Sri Lanka’s Response – Hope and Collapse
Chasing 270, Sri Lanka’s hopes rested on their charismatic captain Chamari Athapaththu. And she didn’t disappoint early on. With bold pulls and crisp drives, she smashed 43 off 56 balls, setting the tone. At the other end, Kusalini Perera’s 29 kept the scoreboard ticking.
For a brief passage, the unthinkable seemed possible—Sri Lanka looked in command at 88/1. But cricket, especially World Cup cricket, is a game of moments.
The decisive blow came when Deepti Sharma, who had already anchored India’s batting, struck again. She lured Athapaththu into miscuing a lofted drive—caught safely at long-off. The crowd erupted as if India had just sealed the trophy.
From there, Sri Lanka’s resistance wilted. Nilakshika Silva fought bravely with 35 runs, but lacked partners. Wickets fell in a heap, and Sri Lanka crumbled to 211 all out in 45.4 overs, handing India a 59-run win.
Bowling Brilliance – India’s Disciplined Attack
India’s bowlers showed why they’re considered among the most lethal attacks in the tournament.
- Deepti Sharma capped her night with 3/54, sealing her claim as Player of the Match.
- Sneha Rana’s flight and turn strangled the middle overs, earning her 2 wickets.
- Shikha Pandey used her slower balls cleverly, finishing with 2/37.
- Jhulan Goswami, the veteran, was economical and picked up a vital early wicket.
Together, they maintained relentless pressure, never allowing Sri Lanka to build partnerships beyond 40 runs.
The Atmosphere – Cricket Carnival in Guwahati
If the cricket was the heart, the fans were its beating soul. The Barsapara crowd, over 35,000 strong, created an atmosphere worthy of a World Cup opener. They braved rain delays, sang songs, painted faces, and danced every time the DJ blasted Bollywood beats.
The moment Deepti dismissed Athapaththu, the roar was so loud it echoed across the city. When India sealed victory, the fireworks resumed, lighting up the night sky in blue and gold.
For many young girls in the stands, watching idols like Mandhana, Deepti, and Harmanpreet live, it was more than a match—it was inspiration.
Exciting Moments That Defined the Night
- Mandhana’s Cover Drive Early On – The pure timing and elegance of her off-side shot lifted the crowd’s spirits. It was a reminder of why she’s considered one of the most stylish batters in the world. Even though she didn’t go on, that shot set the tone for India’s innings.
- Ranaweera’s Double Strike – Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur fell within a short span, and suddenly India was under pressure. The Sri Lankan players high-fived, the fielders clapped in chorus, and for a moment, it looked like the underdogs could pull off a shock.
- Amanjot’s Audacious Six – With India tottering, Amanjot danced down the track to send the ball soaring into the second tier. The sound of bat meeting ball was crisp, and the reaction in the stands—pure ecstasy. That shot symbolized India’s fightback and turned the momentum.
- Athapaththu’s Pull into the Stands – Facing Shikha Pandey, Athapaththu rocked back and deposited a short ball deep into the crowd. Sri Lankan fans jumped to their feet, waving flags, and for a brief while, belief surged that they could chase down 270.
- Deepti’s Dismissal of Athapaththu – The pivotal moment. Athapaththu went for a lofted drive but failed to clear long-off. As the catch was safely pouched, Indian players screamed in unison, hugging each other. That dismissal crushed Sri Lanka’s hopes.
- The Final Wicket – When the last Sri Lankan batter lofted tamely into the hands of mid-wicket, the Indian players sprinted across the field in celebration. The crowd erupted in firecrackers, drums, and chants. The victory was complete.
Player Spotlights – Stars of the Night
🌟 Deepti Sharma – The Calm Warrior
With bat and ball, Deepti embodied composure. Her 53 runs pulled India from the brink, and her 3 wickets sealed the game. She has grown into India’s most reliable all-rounder, and her performance in the opener sets the tone for the campaign.
🌟 Amanjot Kaur – Fearless Rising Star
Still new to the international stage, Amanjot’s 57 off 56 was played with the maturity of a seasoned pro. Her clean hitting, especially the audacious sixes, showed she isn’t afraid of the big stage. India may have discovered their next match-winner.
🌟 Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka’s Lioness
Though on the losing side, Athapaththu was the heart of Sri Lanka’s fight. Her 43, marked with fearless pulls and drives, kept the chase alive. She remains her team’s inspiration and one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
Post-Match Reactions
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s resilience:
“At 124/6, it looked tough, but the way Deepti and Amanjot batted was incredible. Our bowlers then did the job perfectly. Winning the opener in front of our fans means a lot.”
Chamari Athapaththu admitted her team had their moments:
“We started well, but we needed partnerships. Credit to India, they fought back strongly. We’ll take positives from this game and come back harder.”
What Lies Ahead
India march forward with confidence, their bench strength and temperament both tested successfully. Sri Lanka, though defeated, showed flashes of brilliance and will look to regroup quickly.
For the fans, the message was clear: this World Cup is going to be a festival of cricket, and if the opener was any indication, the tournament will be packed with drama, skill, and unforgettable nights.
Brief Scoreboard
India – 269/8 in 47 overs
(Deepti Sharma 53, Amanjot Kaur 57, Smriti Mandhana 33; Inoka Ranaweera 4/52)
Sri Lanka – 211 all out in 45.4 overs
(Athapaththu 43, Nilakshika Silva 35; Deepti Sharma 3/54, Shikha Pandey 2/37, Sneha Rana 2/42)
Result: India won by 59 runs.
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma.