Guwahati — India’s women’s cricket team began their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign with a resounding 59-run victory over Sri Lanka, powered by stellar all-round performances from Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana.
After losing six wickets for 124 runs, India rallied to post a challenging 269 in their 47-over innings. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma scored 53 runs off 53 balls, including three boundaries, and took 3 wickets for 54 runs, while Sneh Rana remained unbeaten on 28 runs from 15 balls, hitting two sixes and two boundaries along with claiming 2 wickets for 32 runs. The pair’s crucial partnerships stabilized India’s innings despite early middle-order collapses.
Amanjot Kaur played a key role, scoring 57 runs from 56 balls, and along with Deepti Sharma, forged a seventh-wicket partnership of 104 runs. The Indian innings had earlier been interrupted by rain, reducing the match to 47 overs per side, but the duo’s resilience ensured India posted a competitive total.
Chasing 271 under the Duckworth-Lewis method, Sri Lanka struggled against India’s spin attack. Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, left-arm spinner Shricharini, and part-timer Pratika Rawal shared eight wickets, restricting the visitors to 211 runs. Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Atapattu top-scored with 43 runs, but crucial wickets at regular intervals derailed their chase.
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, which included key partnerships and vital breakthroughs with the ball. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti, Sneh, Shricharini, and Pratika, ensured that the middle and lower order could not recover, sealing a commanding victory.
This win sets a positive tone for India as they look to build momentum in the tournament, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling.
