India launched their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 59-run victory over Sri Lanka in Guwahati in India, delighting a record crowd.

In a rain-affected match reduced to 47 overs, India recovered from early pressure to post 269 for 8, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance. The experienced all-rounder struck a fluent 53 off 53 balls before returning with figures of 3 for 54. Crucially, she and Amanjot Kaur added 103 runs for the seventh wicket after India had slipped to 124 for 6. Sneh Rana’s late cameo of 28 from just 15 deliveries gave India the momentum heading into the break.

Sri Lanka’s fightback came largely through left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, who claimed four wickets to become the oldest bowler to take a four-for at a Women’s World Cup. But her effort could not prevent India from building a total that proved beyond reach.

Chasing under the Duckworth Lewis-Stern system (which is used to determine scores for chasing teams in rain-affected matches), Sri Lanka’s batting order struggled to gain a foothold against a disciplined Indian attack. Wickets fell steadily, with Deepti once again leading the way, and the target ultimately slipped from reach.

The result gives India an ideal start ahead of their high-profile clash with Pakistan on 5 October in the tournament which is being jointly hosted by them and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile their co-hosts, Sri Lanka, will look to bounce back when they meet defending champions Australia in Colombo on 4 October.

South Africa start their campaign against England on Friday.