Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: India Start as Favourites Against Sri Lanka in Opening Clash

Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins with a high-voltage clash as India take on Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, September 30. With festive vibes of Durga Puja lighting up the city, the cricket fever only adds more excitement to the atmosphere.

Originally scheduled for Bengaluru, the match was shifted after the unfortunate stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations forced authorities to relocate fixtures from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This will also be India’s only game at this venue, where they last played T20Is against England in 2019.

For skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, this encounter marks her first outing as captain in an ODI World Cup, and she will be eager to script a winning start. Backed by a formidable batting unit, India look stronger than ever to chase their long-awaited dream of lifting the trophy.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana remains India’s most consistent performer, having smashed four centuries in ODIs this year. Her explosive opening partnership with youngster Pratika Rawat will be key to setting the tone early. With dependable middle-order batters like Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, India’s batting firepower looks intimidating.

Bowling-wise, India are expected to field their best attack with all players declared fit. The likes of Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, and Radha Yadav will aim to keep the Sri Lankan lineup in check.

On the other side, hosts Sri Lanka will once again rely heavily on their inspirational leader Chamari Athapaththu, whose aggressive batting has often carried the team single-handedly. However, she will need solid contributions from the rest of the squad to stand a chance against one of the tournament favourites.

Also Read: Jemimah Rodrigues Long-Awaited ODI World Cup Dream Comes True in 2025

With India’s balance in both batting and bowling, Harmanpreet’s team starts as the overwhelming favourite. But in World Cups, surprises are never far away—and Sri Lanka will be hungry to upset the odds.

India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawat, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, N. Shree Charani, Uma Chetri.

Sri Lanka Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasuriya.