By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 opener between India and Sri Lanka was halted due to rain at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field first in their tournament opener against Harmanpreet Kaur’s India.
Sri Lanka piled on the pressure on the hosts as they dismissed Smriti Mandhana cheaply for 8 (10).
Following her dismissal, Pratika Rawal (18*) and Harleen Deol (15*) stabilised the innings after her departure with their 29-run stand.
India arrive in the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way, eyeing a maiden World Cup title.
Playing XI
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera.