India was asked to bat first by Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI WC 2025. India’s score at the end of 24 overs was 109-2 as India was well in control of the match. Harleen Deol got her eye in and was looking dangerous. Harleen Deol was onto the crease way too early in the powerplay overs when Smriti Mandhana was dismissed cheaply after having a glorious run.
Smriti Mandhana falls early and gives Sri Lanka a major boost
The match was played at the Guwahati stadium, and there were overcast conditions. The surface, despite being a belter one, was misbehaving massively, which can be a sign ahead of the 2nd innings. Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal got the team off to a decent start with 13 runs in 3 overs, and slowly & steadily, the scoreboard was ticking around.
In the 4th over, Smriti Mandhana fell into the trap of Udeshika Prabodhani. On the 2nd ball of the 4th over, Smriti Mandhana went for a gorgeous lofted cover drive shot but gave a catch to deep back-ward point. It was a huge blow to India, given that Smriti Mandhana has been doing the bulk ofthe scoring over the last couple of years.
India, though, had a good power-play with 43 runs scored in the first 10 overs of the match. The oddball was keeping low, which was somewhat evident that the surface is a 250-270 one. Then came the rain, which stopped the game for an over or so, and the umpires were forced to deduct 4 overs from the match as it became a 48-over match.
Harleen Deol stands strong in response
Harleen Deol & Pratika Rawal, after the resumption, were calm & composed in their reply. Pratika Rawal was looking ominous, and just when the partnership was looking threatening, Inola Ranaweera got the better of Rawal in the 20th over. Pratika Rawal was sent back to the pavilion after scoring 37 runs in 59 balls and hitting 3 fours and 1 six. India’s score was 81-2 in 19.2 overs.
Pratika Rawal would regret that she couldn’t convert her start, given that Smriti Mandhana was out early. We have seen over a year or so how Pratika Rawal’s strong defense provides stability to the team, as her departure somewhat opened the gates for India. Harmanpreet Kaur was untroubled when she was at the crease. India’s score at the halfway mark of 24 overs was 109-2, with Harleen Deol’s score being 37 in 57.
What lies ahead
India would be hoping that Harleen Deol makes the most of her start in this opening match. The Women in Blue can’t afford to take Sri Lanka lightly, who we can say have absolutely nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. India will need atleast 250 runs on board as in Women’s cricket, chasing 250 is also tough irrespective of conditions. Sri Lanka on the other hand needs a cluster of wickets to make a roaring comeback in the match.