Record crowd, Tendulkar tribute and Sharma heroics mark Cricket World Cup opener

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 got underway in front of a record crowd in Guwahati, with India sealing a 59-run (DLS method) victory over Sri Lanka.

A total of 22,843 fans filled the Assam Cricket Association Stadium — the highest ever attendance for a group match at any ICC Women’s event. The day featured national anthems performed by Shreya Ghoshal and Nuwandhika Kumari, as well as live performances and tributes to former Indian women’s cricket legends, including Diana Eduljee, Neetu David and Mithali Raj.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed the scale and significance of the occasion.  “I must acknowledge the strides made in the past few years,” he said. “The Women’s Premier League has been nothing short of a game-changer. It has provided the platform, visibility, and financial security that generations of women cricketers could only dream of.

 “I also want to thank the ICC for announcing record prize money for this tournament, even surpassing what was on offer for the men’s World Cup in 2023. Symbolically and practically, it sends a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect.”

India steady after mid-innings collapse

On the field of play itself, the hosts were tested. After a solid start, India stumbled when Inoka Ranaweera (4/46) tore through the middle order. At 124/6, the game was in the balance.

That changed with a defiant seventh-wicket stand between Amanjot Kaur (57) and Deepti Sharma (53). The pair put on 103 runs to rebuild the innings, with late hitting from Sneh Rana (28* off 15 balls) lifting India to 269/8 in 47 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase began brightly under captain Chamari Athapaththu, who struck four fours and three sixes in her 43. But Sharma’s dismissal of Athapaththu proved pivotal. She went on to take 3/54, supported by Sneh Rana (2/32), as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs.

Sharma delivers with bat and ball

Player of the Match Deepti Sharma reflected on her dual role in India’s victory. “[Our partnership] was a turning point,” she said. “Back-to-back wickets were falling, so we wanted to have a long partnership. The things that we had planned, we executed it. There was no pressure at all because I am used to these types of innings and situations. I do not feel pressure, I enjoy my batting.”

She also credited her bowling approach: “On this type of pitch, I believe in my stock balls, and try to bowl stump to stump, while backing my strengths.”

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the resilience shown. “The way [Amanjot Kaur and Deepti] handled the situation was outstanding to watch. I’m really happy all the girls came together to try to win this game for the country.”

As for Sri Lanka skipper Athapaththu, she said that she rued the dropped catches but backed her young side to regroup. “We executed our plans, but we dropped a couple of catches, especially [Amanjot] Kaur's catch. We made three mistakes, and it cost us. I still have faith in my youngsters because they have won more games for us.”

Match summary

India 269/8 in 47 overs

(Amanjot Kaur 57, Deepti Sharma 53; Inoka Ranaweera 4/46, Udeshika Prabodhani 2/55)

Sri Lanka 211 all out in 45.4 overs

(Chamari Athapaththu 43, Nilakshika Silva 35; Deepti Sharma 3/54, Sneh Rana 2/32)

Result: India won by 59 runs (DLS Method)