World Cup - Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur carry India to victory over Sri Lanka

A terrific century stand between Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur was at the heart of a memorable fightback by the Indians to secure victory in the opening match of the 2025 Women's World Cup. The peacocks were staring down the barrel after losing four wickets in the space of two overs. Undeterred, Sharma and Kaur mounted a formidable rearguard act to drag the team out of the hole from 124-6 to 227. India won the thrilling encounter in Guwahati, clinching a 59-run victory (DLS method), with Sharma also accounting for three important wickets.

The fans at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium witnessed a sensational game, vociferously cheering for the home team. The event set a new ground record for attendance, packed with 22,843 spectators, the highest also for a group match in the competition. They were treated to a seesaw battle where India ultimately triumphed, thanks to a heroic lower-order partnership and an all-round team performance.

A Century Stand from the Depths of Despair

Batting first after being put in, India's innings was a story of two halves. They found themselves in perilous trouble at 124 for six, rocked by a devastating spell from Sri Lankan spinner Inoka Ranaweera, who finished with figures of 4 for 46. Her triple-strike in one over, which included the key wickets of Harleen Deol (48), Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (21), triggered a dramatic collapse.

Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma came together for the seventh wicket, with the fortunes of the team hanging by a precarious thread. The duo staged a magnificent recovery, building their partnership with calm and determination. Both batters scored half-centuries—Amanjot with a brilliant 57 off 56 balls on her World Cup debut, and Deepti with 53 off 53 deliveries. Their 103-run partnership not only rescued India from a deep crisis but also shifted the momentum firmly back in their favor.

"The plan was always to take it deep till the 47th-48th over, and I am glad it worked out," said Deepti. "There was no pressure at all because I am used to these types of innings and situations. That partnership with Amanjot was important for the team."

A late cameo of 28 not out from just 15 balls by Sneh Rana, which included two sixes, helped India post a competitive total of 269 for 8 in their 47 overs, after the match was shortened due to rain interruptions.

Closing Out the Game: Discipline with the Ball

Set a revised DLS target of 271, Sri Lanka began their chase steadily. Their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, looked dangerous, top-scoring with 43, which included four boundaries and three sixes. However, once the prolific Deepti Sharma bowled her, the Sri Lankan innings began to falter.

The Indian bowling attack maintained constant pressure, with every bowler chipping in. Deepti Sharma was the standout, claiming 3 for 54, while Sneh Rana (2/32) and Shree Charani (2/37) provided crucial breakthroughs. Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs, handing India a 59-run victory.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was beside herself with joy, praising the character the team had shown. "It wasn't an easy game... but the way Deepti and Amanjot handled the situation was just outstanding. That partnership was the turning point for us," she said. Deepti was adjudicated the player of the match for her all-round effort.

This win gives India a perfect start to their World Cup campaign, setting a strong tone for their upcoming high-voltage clash against Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo. Sri Lanka will look to bounce back when they face the defending champions, Australia, on October 4.

Deepti Sharma - Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images