India-Sri Lanka kick start ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup kick starts from September 30 as the co-hosts India and Sri Lanka come face to face in the tournament opener at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. India will be hosting the World Cup for the fourth time, while for Sri Lanka, it will be the first time, that they will be doing the honours. The last time India hosted the World Cup was in 2013. However, the memories are not too fond of that World Cup as India made an early exit from the group stage. However, a dozen years later, India will back themselves to make it big and bring that elusive silverware home.
Head-to-Head
India and Sri Lanka have played 35 ODIs against each other, of which India have won 31 and Sri Lanka have won three.
Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (vc, wk), Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
Players to watch out
Smriti Mandhana: The Indian vice-captain has been in prolific form in this calendar year so far, having scored 928 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 116. Recently, she created history by becoming the fastest player to score an ODI century across Indian men’s and women’s cricket. She achieved the feat against Australia in just 50 balls, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century.
Kranti Gaud: The right-arm pace sensation of India has an uncanny ability to pick up wickets with the new ball. In her young ODI career, the 22-year-old has impressed with 14 wickets in seven matches, including a six-wicket haul against England in England.
Chamari Athapaththu: The captain of Sri Lanka is vastly experienced having been around for over 15 years. In 115 ODIs, she has scored 3877 runs, including nine centuries and 15 half-centuries. The left-handed opening batter will be expected to lay a solid foundation for her team. Besides, she is more than handy with her gentle off spinners.
Dewmi Vihaga: The 20-year-old right-arm off-spinner of Sri Lanka made her international debut this year and has got off to a solid start. In four ODIs, she has scalped 11 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. She is not only a wicket-taker but also an economical bowling option.
Match details
Date: September 30, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar