India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 1st Match, World Cup 2025: Preview, Analysis, And Prediction

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women will mark the opening clash of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

As co-hosts, the Indian team will aim to start their campaign with a dominant performance, while Sri Lanka will look to create an early upset and establish itself as a threat in the tournament.

This fixture not only sets the competitive tone of the World Cup but also carries added weight as India play on home soil after more than a decade.

Also read- Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women 3rd ODI, 2025: Preview, Analysis, And Prediction

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Details

Date, Time & Venue

• Date: 30 September 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM IST (Day/Night fixture)
• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (Assam)
• Format: 50-over One Day International (WODI)

The contest will start in the afternoon and extend into the evening under lights.

Historical Context & Head-to-Head

India and Sri Lanka women have met frequently in ODIs, with India dominating most encounters. Over the years, India has won the majority of matches, maintaining a strong edge in the rivalry.

However, Sri Lanka has shown glimpses of competitiveness, particularly under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu.

Recent matches between the sides suggest India holds the upper hand, but Sri Lanka has managed to surprise on occasion, making this contest one to watch closely.

Team Composition & Key Players

India

India’s squad combines experience and youth, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.

• Smriti Mandhana – consistent opener who anchors innings.
• Harmanpreet Kaur – power hitter and tactical captain.
• Deepti Sharma / Radha Yadav – reliable spin options.
• Renuka Singh / Kranti Goud – spearheads of the pace attack.
• Richa Ghosh / Uma Chetry – wicketkeepers who add batting depth.

India’s overall balance makes it a formidable unit.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s campaign revolves around their seasoned skipper Chamari Athapaththu.

• Chamari Athapaththu – aggressive opener and team leader.
• Vishmi Gunaratne / Imesha Dulani – young batters with potential.
• Sugandika Kumari / Inoka Ranaweera – spinners who control the middle overs.
• Achini Kulasuriya / Udeshika Prabodani – pace bowlers expected to provide breakthroughs.

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in spin, combined with Athapaththu’s batting brilliance.

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Match Analysis & Key Battles

1. Mandhana vs Sri Lankan spin – Early control of powerplay overs will be crucial.
2. Athapaththu vs Indian bowlers – Containing the Sri Lankan captain could decide the outcome.
3. Middle overs spin battle – Both sides rely on spinners; whichever team dominates here gains the edge.
4. Finishing ability – India’s deeper batting lineup gives them an advantage.
5. Fielding discipline – In a pressure opener, sharp fielding could change the match.

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Predictions

India is the clear favorite to win, with home advantage, stronger squad depth, and better form. Sri Lanka’s chances hinge on Athapaththu leading from the front and spinners restricting India’s scoring rate.

• Predicted Winner: India Women
• Likely Margin: 5–7 wickets or 60–100 runs
• Players to Watch: Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Chamari Athapaththu

Probable Playing XI

India Women (probable XI):

1. Pratika Rawal
2. Smriti Mandhana
3. Harleen Deol
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
5. Jemimah Rodrigues
6. Richa Ghosh / Uma Chetry (wk)
7. Deepti Sharma
8. Sneh Rana / Arundhati Reddy
9. Radha Yadav
10. Renuka Singh
11. Kranti Goud

Sri Lanka Women (probable XI):

1. Vishmi Gunaratne
2. Imesha Dulani
3. Harshitha Samarawickrama
4. Chamari Athapaththu (c)
5. Nilakshi de Silva
6. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
7. Kavisha Dilhari
8. Sugandika Kumari
9. Inoka Ranaweera
10. Achini Kulasuriya
11. Udeshika Prabodani

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)