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**Historic Opening Day: India Women Triumph Over Sri Lanka in Record-Breaking ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Opener**
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, as India Women clashed with Sri Lanka Women in a rain-affected thriller at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The match not only marked a resounding start to India’s campaign but also set a new attendance record for Women’s World Cup history, cementing the growing popularity of women’s cricket worldwide.
### **A Record-Breaking Crowd**
The ACA Stadium, Barsapara, witnessed an electric atmosphere as 22,843 fans packed the stands—a staggering number that smashed the previous record for a Women’s World Cup group stage fixture. The previous benchmark of 15,935 was set during the India-Pakistan clash in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The turnout underscored the rising enthusiasm and support for women’s cricket, particularly in India, where fans turned up in droves to cheer for their team on the opening day.
### **India’s Dominant Start**
Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women delivered a commanding performance, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in a game reduced to 47 overs due to rain. Choosing to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 269/8. While opener Smriti Mandhana (8) fell early, Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48) steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57) then took charge, propelling India to a formidable score despite the challenging weather conditions.
In response, Sri Lanka Women struggled to build momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Deepti Sharma shone once again, this time with the ball, claiming 3/54 in her 10 overs. She was ably supported by Sneh Rana and Sree Charani, who picked up two wickets each, while Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, and Pratika Rawal chipped in with a wicket apiece. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 211, falling well short of the target.
### **Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Heroics**
Deepti Sharma’s stellar performance with both bat and ball earned her the Player of the Match award. Her gritty half-century and crucial wickets were instrumental in India’s victory. Reflecting on her performance, Deepti said, “I enjoy my batting. When the wicket is like this, I focus on my stock ball and try to hit the stumps. The first match sets the tone, and we have a lot of positives. We want to play like this and keep winning.”
### **A Promising Start for the Tournament**
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which began on September 30, promises to be a landmark event for the sport. With the opening match already breaking attendance records and India’s dominant performance captivating fans, the tournament is off to an exhilarating start. The campaign will run until November 2, featuring thrilling contests and showcasing the best of women’s cricket on the global stage.
As the Indian team savors its victory, the focus will now shift to maintaining momentum in the upcoming matches. With Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and a team brimming with talent, India Women have set their sights on lifting the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, fans and experts alike will be eager to see how the tournament unfolds, with more records and unforgettable moments likely to follow.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has begun with a bang, and the message is clear: women’s cricket is here to stay, captivate, and inspire.
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*First published on Inside Sport India.*