ICC Women's World Cup 2025: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women – Match Preview

Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Start Time: 10:30 AM GMT / 03:00 PM IST

Match Context

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 gets off to a high-stakes start as the India Women take on the Sri Lanka Women at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This will be the first Women’s ODI to be played at this venue, and with the hosts eager to make a strong statement in their backyard, the match is expected to be a crucial one in the group stage.

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are the reigning Asia Cup champions and have shown consistent form in the lead-up to the tournament. Sri Lanka, captained by Chamari Athapaththu, will be looking to build momentum and surprise the higher-ranked teams.

Current Form

India Women have been in excellent form in 2025, winning 10 out of their 14 ODIs. Key performers like Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Sneh Rana have been in scintillating form, making the top-order one of the most potent in the world. The bowling attack, led by Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, and Arundhati Reddy, has been both penetrative and economical.

Sri Lanka Women, on the other hand, have had a mixed year, winning just two of their eight ODIs in 2025. Despite this, the team has been led admirably by Chamari Athapaththu, who is always a threat with the bat. Their spin attack, particularly Dewmi Vihanga, has been a bright spot and could prove effective on the slow surfaces expected in Guwahati.

Head-to-Head

In the last five encounters, India have dominated with a 4-1 record. The hosts will be confident of continuing this trend, especially with the home advantage and the experience of playing in similar conditions.

Key Players to Watch

India Women

• Smriti Mandhana: In career-best form, Mandhana has scored 928 runs at an average of 66.3 in 2025. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate is a key strength.
• Pratika Rawal: A consistent performer with 668 runs at 51.4, Rawal complements Mandhana well with her aggressive stroke play.
• Sneh Rana: The all-rounder has been in fine form with the ball, picking up 21 wickets in 11 games at just 22.1 runs per wicket.

Sri Lanka Women

• Chamari Athapaththu: The captain averages 39.15 in World Cups and is the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
• Harshitha Samarawickrama: The wicketkeeper-batter has been a revelation, scoring 336 runs at 48 in her last eight ODIs.
• Dewmi Vihanga: The off-spinner is the spearhead of the bowling attack, with 11 wickets in just four ODIs in 2025.

Venue Insights

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium, while a new venue for Women’s ODIs, is known for slow and low pitches, which typically favor spinners. This could give the experienced Sri Lankan spinners a chance, but India’s all-round strength may prove decisive.

Squads

India Women (15)

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Amajot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav.

Sri Lanka Women (15)

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Harshitha Samarawickrama (wk), Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Piumi Wathsala, Dewmi Vihanga, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Udesikha Prabodhani.

Predictions & Key Stats

• Toss Prediction: India
• Match Winner: India
• Top Batter (Runs): Smriti Mandhana (India), Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Kranti Goud (India), Dewmi Vihanga (Sri Lanka)
• Most Sixes: Smriti Mandhana (India), Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
• Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (India)
• Team Score (Batting First): India 280+, Sri Lanka 210+

Final Verdict

India enter the match as firm favorites, buoyed by their strong form and home advantage. However, Sri Lanka cannot be underestimated, particularly with their spin threat and the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu. The match promises to be an exciting start to the Women’s World Cup 2025, with both teams looking to set the tone for the tournament.

Prediction: India Women to win by 60+ runs.
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