The Women’s ODI World Cup opener got underway at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where Sri Lanka Women won the toss and elected to field first against India Women. The decision paid dividends immediately as the Lankan Lionesses struck early to remove India’s star opener, Smriti Mandhana.
Despite the early blow, India found stability through Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol. The young duo showed maturity beyond their years, stitching together a composed fifty-run stand that steadied the innings. Their partnership offered India hope of building a strong platform after the initial setback.
However, just as the pair began to settle and shift momentum, Sri Lanka’s experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera stepped up. Bowling in the 20th over, the 39-year-old veteran found the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Rawal, halting India’s progress at a key juncture.
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Rawal, who had looked confident at the crease, compiled 37 runs from 59 balls before attempting to take on Ranaweera. Unfortunately for India, her stroke went straight to Vishmi Gunaratne at deep mid-wicket. What looked like a straightforward chance nearly turned into a disaster when Gunaratne fumbled on the first attempt.
In the end, she held on to the catch, bringing relief to the Sri Lankan camp and disappointment to the Indian dugout. The dismissal ended Rawal’s promising knock and broke India’s growing partnership, leaving the innings delicately poised as the match moved ahead.