Well-Prepared India and Sri Lanka Set to Clash in Women’s ODI World Cup Opener

Well-Prepared India and Sri Lanka Set to Clash in Women’s ODI World Cup Opener

As the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 kicks off in Guwahati, the opening match between hosts India and Sri Lanka signals a new era for the tournament — one defined by thorough preparation, growing parity, and a clear sense of purpose across teams.

Unlike the disrupted 2022 edition that was marred by pandemic-induced scheduling gaps, this year’s competition begins with both India and Sri Lanka arriving well-tested. Since the last World Cup cycle, Sri Lanka have played 31 ODIs, while India, the busiest side in this format, have clocked 38 — including 14 just this year.

Two Teams, One Goal

On the eve of the match at the ACA Stadium, contrasting team environments revealed how both sides have evolved. India looked relaxed and confident during their training session. Bowling coach Avishkar Salvi was seen joking with offspinner Sneh Rana, while pacer Kranti Goud went through her strides with intensity and focus. The mood reflected a settled, self-assured group.

In comparison, Sri Lanka’s session was more methodical, with catching drills and net routines forming the core. But the camaraderie was equally strong — left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera teased seamer Malki Madara over a practice dismissal, while offspinners Sugandika Kumari and Dewmi Vihanga debated grip techniques light-heartedly.

These scenes underline the same point: this World Cup is not about sides finding form — it's about teams ready to hit the ground running.

Harmanpreet: "There is a lot more clarity"

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her team is in a better space than ever before.

“We’ve played more ODI cricket after the last T20 World Cup, and we’ve won most of our games,” she said. “That has given us a lot of confidence. This group has played together for years now. There is a lot more clarity.”

That clarity is visible — not only in results but in routines, team communication, and confidence. India’s ODI form reads LWLWL, but the bigger picture reflects a side that has built strong foundations.

Spotlight: Rodrigues’ debut, Prabodhani’s return

Despite having 51 ODIs to her name, this will be Jemimah Rodrigues’ first appearance in a 50-over World Cup. The stylish middle-order batter has been in excellent form, registering her maiden ODI hundred earlier this year and playing key finishing roles in recent series. On a flat Guwahati pitch, Rodrigues will look to make her mark on the global stage.

For Sri Lanka, Udeshika Prabodhani will be key with the new ball. Known for her swing and control in the powerplay, the veteran left-arm seamer could trouble India's right-hand opener Pratika Rawal. Although she hasn’t played an ODI in over a year, her 2 for 26 in a recent warm-up game showed she still has the rhythm.

Team News: Amanjot back for India?

India are expected to field a near full-strength side with Amanjot Kaur likely to return after recovering from a back injury. She bowled briefly in training and spent time batting, indicating readiness. Her inclusion could mean only one of Radha Yadav or Sneh Rana makes the XI.

Probable India XI:

  1. Smriti Mandhana

  2. Pratika Rawal

  3. Harleen Deol

  4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)

  5. Jemimah Rodrigues

  6. Richa Ghosh (wk)

  7. Deepti Sharma

  8. Amanjot Kaur/Radha Yadav

  9. Sneh Rana

  10. Kranti Goud

  11. Renuka Singh

Sri Lanka are likely to open with Hasini Perera and Chamari Athapaththu, while Vishmi Gunaratne may drop to No. 4. The pace department will be led by Prabodhani, with either Malki Madara or Achini Kulasuriya filling the second seamer’s slot.

Probable Sri Lanka XI:

  1. Hasini Perera

  2. Chamari Athapaththu (capt)

  3. Harshitha Samarawickrama

  4. Vishmi Gunaratne

  5. Kavisha Dilhari

  6. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)

  7. Nilakshika Silva

  8. Sugandika Kumari

  9. Inoka Ranaweera

  10. Malki Madara/Achini Kulasuriya

  11. Udeshika Prabodhani

Conditions and Pitch

The ACA Stadium is set to make its debut as a Women’s ODI venue — becoming the 55th such ground in India. The pitch, located at the centre of the square, has minimal grass and is expected to favour batting, with high humidity and temperatures in the low 30°C adding a physical challenge for players.

Key Stats

  • Smriti Mandhana’s 2100 runs since the 2022 World Cup are the most by any batter in the format.

  • Kavisha Dilhari is Sri Lanka’s leading ODI wicket-taker since the last World Cup, with 26 scalps.

  • Deepti Sharma (59), Renuka Singh (35), and Sneh Rana (27) have all taken more ODI wickets than Dilhari in the same period.

  • For the first time since 2016, Chamari Athapaththu is not Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer in a calendar year — that honour belongs to Harshitha Samarawickrama (336 runs).

Captains Speak

Harmanpreet Kaur (India):
"No doubt it's a quite new venue for us. But in India, many stadiums have a very similar feel, similar pitches, and we have played a lot of cricket in India. So we are taking it as an opportunity."

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka):
"Udeshika is our strike bowler, she is the most senior player in my team. If I have to take a decision, sometimes I go to her for an opinion. It's a big privilege for me to play with her."