India takes on Srilanka in World Cup opener (Image Credit:- X)
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 gets underway in style as India takes on Srilanka in the opening match at Guwahati. The clash marks the beginning of an exciting tournament, with the home side aiming to make a strong start in front of the passionate fans. Both teams will be eager to set tone early , making the opener a high-stakes battle.
The opening match of the Women’s World Cup, which was originally allotted to the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore, has been shifted to Guwahati. The decision came in the aftermath of the tragic stampede during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first IPL trophy win. The incident raised major concern over crowd safety and management at the venue.
What Harmanpreet Kaur said?
“We’ve played more ODI cricket after the last T20 World Cup. We have won most of the games. That has definitely given us a lot of confidence to do well in ODI cricket. We now have a lot of experience. This group has played together for so many years. There is a lot more clarity,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
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Harmanpreet Kaur , who will be leading the side for the first time in a World Cup. A veteran of Indian women’s cricketer and one of it’s most iconic match-winners , Harmanpreet brings a wealth of experience to the campaign. With whispers that this could possibly her last ODI World Cup, the tournament holds added significance for the skipper. She will be eager to script a memorable chapter and inspire her team to glory.
Recent Form
In the build-up to the Women’s World Cup , both India and Srilanka have shown mixed form in recent ODIs. India won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 matches, while Srilanka recorded the same results with 2 wins and 3 defeats. This makes the opening clash more intriguing.
Team News India
There is no injury concern in Indian camp , giving the management the luxury of choices. Allrounder Amanjot Kaur is set to return to the playing XI , strengthening the both departments. This also means a tough call in the spin department, either Sneh Rana or Radha Yadhav likely to make the final cut.
India Probable XI:- Smriti Mandhana , Pratika Rawal , Harleen Deol , Harmanpreet Kaur (c) , Jemimah Rodrigues , Richa Ghosh (wk) , Deepti Sharma , Amanjot Kaur , Sneh Rana , Kranti Goud , Renuka Singh.
Team News Srilanka
Left arm pacer Udeshika Prabodhani is back for Srilanka. Her return in the playing XI means only one of Achini Kulasuriya or Madara Nawarathna is expected to find a place in the playing XI.
Srilanka Probable XI:- Hasini Perera , Chamari Athapaththu (c) , Harshitha Smarawickrama , Vishmi Gunaratne , Kavisha Dilhari , Anushka Sanjeewani (wk) , Nilakshika Silva , Sugandika Kumari , Inoka Ranaweera , Malki Madara , Udeshika Prabodhani.
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Pitch Report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is known to be a batting friendly venue, promising plenty of runs. Pacers can expect good bounce and carry with the new ball. As the innings progress , the surface tends to slow down slightly , bringing the spinners into play during the middle overs.
Weather
The weather in Guwahati looks a bit dicey. There is 40% chance of precipitation. Showers and even a possible thunderstorm are likely late on Tuesday night which could affect playing conditions or cause interruptions.
Time
Match will begin at 03:00 PM (IST).