Ranaweera Shines, But Sloppy Sri Lanka Let India Off the Hook in Rain-Hit World Cup Clash

India overcame a mid-innings collapse to post a strong total of 269 for 8 against Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened 47-over group-stage match at the Women’s ODI World Cup in Guwahati. A match that started with tight bowling and sharp fielding from Sri Lanka soon slipped from their grasp due to missed opportunities and dropped catches.

Veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, claiming 4 for 46 in her nine overs. At 39, she became the oldest bowler to take a four-wicket haul in a Women's World Cup match. Ranaweera's early strikes had India reeling, especially when the visitors lost four wickets for just four runs in the middle of their innings. However, Sri Lanka's sloppy fielding proved costly.

India’s recovery was orchestrated by a resilient 103-run partnership between Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma for the seventh wicket. Their stand came off just 99 balls and turned the momentum back in India’s favour. Amanjot top-scored with a gritty 57, while Deepti contributed a crucial 53.

Sri Lanka had multiple chances to dismiss Amanjot, but she was dropped on four occasions — on 18, 37, 50, and 53 — with one of the chances even put down by Ranaweera herself off her own bowling. These lapses, possibly impacted by the wet conditions caused by intermittent rain, ultimately undid Sri Lanka's earlier good work.

Adding to Sri Lanka’s woes, Sneh Rana smashed a quickfire 28 towards the end, giving India the strong finish they desperately needed.

With a target of 270 on the board, the pressure now shifts to Sri Lanka’s batters to chase down a challenging total under potentially tricky conditions.