IND vs SL: As the India vs Sri Lanka (IND vs SL) Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 opener approaches, both teams arrive with greater clarity, match practice, and momentum.
Unlike previous tournaments, this edition kicks off with teams that have significantly improved their preparation since the 2022 edition. The host of the opener, ACA Stadium in Guwahati, will also be making its debut as India’s 55th women’s ODI ground.
India Look Settled and Sharp Ahead of IND vs SL Clash
India’s last practice session prior to the IND vs SL opener indicated a team that looked confident and calm. Bowling coach Avishkar Salvi was observed trying out grips with off-spinner Sneh Rana, while pacer Kranti Goud bowled in rhythm and with purpose.
Since the previous Women’s ODI World Cup in 2022, India has played 38 ODIs, including 14 this year alone the highest among all the participating teams.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur had her say:
“We’ve played more ODI cricket post the T20 World Cup. We’ve won most of our games, and that has given us a lot of confidence and clarity.”
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Sri Lanka Enter IND vs SL Opener with Depth
Sri Lanka, who didn’t make it to the 2022 version and hadn’t had much ODI experience back then, now have 31 matches under their belt since then. Their recent performance has been patchy, but they’ve added a more substantial team with improved match fitness.
Their last training session leading up to the IND vs SL match was systematic but with plenty of light-hearted exchanges indicating the presence of a focused team that is also at ease.
Form Guide: IND vs SL Head-to-Head
India: L W L W L (last 5 ODIs)
Sri Lanka: L L W W L (last 5 ODIs)
Despite India looking stronger on paper, Sri Lanka beat India earlier this year, and thus this confrontation becomes a delicate affair.
Players to Watch in IND vs SL Match
Jemimah Rodrigues (India)
Making her ODI World Cup debut, Rodrigues comes into the tournament in good touch, having registered her first ODI century this year. Normally a top-order batter, she has moved to become an important middle-order finisher. With a flat track on offer at Guwahati, she’ll try to make an impact.
Udeshika Prabodhani (Sri Lanka)
The old left-arm seamer is back in the team and will be a key one with the new ball. Renowned for her inswingers and powerplay control, she might be a big danger for India’s right-hand opener Pratika Rawal. Though she has not played an ODI since August 2024, her 2/26 spell in a practice match indicates that she is match-ready.
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IND vs SL Probable XIs
India Women (Probable XI):
Smriti Mandhana
Pratika Rawal
Harleen Deol
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
Jemimah Rodrigues
Richa Ghosh (wk)
Deepti Sharma
Amanjot Kaur / Radha Yadav
Sneh Rana
Kranti Goud
Renuka Singh
Amanjot Kaur is coming back from injury and bowled in training. If fit, she could be a replacement for either Rana or Radha.
Sri Lanka Women (Probable XI):
Hasini Perera
Chamari Athapaththu (capt)
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Vishmi Gunaratne
Kavisha Dilhari
Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
Nilakshika Silva
Sugandika Kumari
Inoka Ranaweera
Malki Madara / Achini Kulasuriya
Udeshika Prabodhani
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions for IND vs SL
Venue: ACA Stadium, Guwahati
Surface: Flat pitch with less grass; likely to support batters
Weather: Humid weather in the lower 30°C bracket; may feel warmer under direct sun in the afternoon
Key Figures Before IND vs SL Opener
- Smriti Mandhana tops all ODI run-getters since the previous World Cup with 2,100 runs.
- Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker since 2022 is Kavisha Dilhari with 26 wickets.
- Deepti Sharma (59), Renuka Singh (35), and Sneh Rana (27) have taken more wickets in the same time.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama has surpassed Athapaththu as Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer in 2025.
- India have lost just three ODIs to Sri Lanka in history one of them this year.
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