When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India's women's cricket team won the toss and chose to bat, little did she know that the match would turn into a rain‑shortened thriller in Guwahati. The clash, part of the Women's Cricket World Cup, unfolded on 30 September 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where a crowd of roughly 11,200 cheered under 25 °C and 68 % humidity. Across the pitch, Inoka Ranaweera would later lock away a piece of history with a three‑wicket over, but India’s solid 269/8 in 47 overs proved too much, securing a 59‑run win via the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method.
Batting Foundations: India’s 269‑Run Total
Opening the innings, Smriti Mandhana steadied the ship with a classy 58, while Shafali Verma exploded for a quick 42 off 30 balls. The partnership set the tone, delivering aggressive boundary play that left the Sri Lankan bowlers scrambling. At the 22‑run mark, India accelerated, piling on 112 runs in the next 15 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues fell for a golden duck later, but Deepti Sharma rescued the innings with a vital 71, anchoring the tail and taking the total to 269/8.
Ranaweera’s Triple Wicket Over: A Moment of Magic
Enter Inoka Ranaweera, the Sri Lankan left‑arm spinner who turned the match on its head in the 28th over. At 21:47 local time, she struck three wickets in three consecutive balls: Harleen Deol c covers fielder, Jemimah Rodrigues for a duck, and then the captain Harmanpreet Kaur edged to the keeper. *Unbelievable* – a feat rarely seen in World Cup history, and one that left the commentator booth buzzing.
Rain Delay, DLS Adjustment, and the Final Outcome
Just as Sri Lanka seemed to recover, clouds gathered. At 19:22, a 47‑minute rain interruption forced officials to invoke DLS, reducing the target to 211 runs from 38.2 overs. The revised par score stood at 152 when play resumed, sealing India’s victory margin at 59 runs. International Cricket Council (ICC) later confirmed the adjustment, with its technical committee chaired by David Boon overseeing the calculations.
Reactions: Players, Officials, and Fans
Post‑match, Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s composure: “We knew the rain could change things, but we stuck to our plan and let the bowlers do the work.” On the other side, Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, lamented missed opportunities, noting, “Ranaweera gave us hope, but the DLS target was steep under the circumstances.”
ICC Women’s Cricket Head Beth Barrett‑Wild highlighted the tournament’s growing stature: “The $4.2 million prize pool reflects our commitment to gender parity and the rising popularity of women’s cricket.” Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the successful launch, pointing to strong ticket sales and a vibrant atmosphere despite the weather hiccup.
Implications for Group A and the Road Ahead
With two points from the opener, India sits second in Group A, level with Australia after their win over New Zealand. Sri Lanka remains at zero, facing a daunting schedule that includes Australia in Delhi on 4 October and Bangladesh in Mumbai on 7 October. Analysts from Sky Sports, including veteran commentator David Lloyd, suggest India’s depth in both batting and spin could prove decisive as the tournament progresses toward the quarter‑finals slated for early November.
Historical Context: India‑Sri Lanka Rivalry
This was the 17th ODI meeting between the two sides, with India holding a 15‑1 advantage dating back to their first encounter in 2005. The last World Cup face‑off in Christchurch 2022 ended with a 107‑run Indian win. Extending that streak to five consecutive World Cup victories, the Guwahati win reinforces India’s dominance and adds another chapter to a rivalry that has rarely been even.
Looking Forward: What Comes Next?
India’s next challenge is a high‑stakes Group A clash against the hosts Australia on 4 October at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. Cricket pundits anticipate a spin battle, given the sub‑continental conditions and Australia’s reliance on their middle‑order powerplay. For Sri Lanka, regrouping behind Ranaweera’s heroics will be crucial as they seek to salvage points in the upcoming fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rain‑shortened match affect Sri Lanka’s chances in the tournament?
The DLS adjustment lowered Sri Lanka’s target to 211, but they still fell short by 59 runs. Starting with zero points puts them under pressure to win both remaining Group A games to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
What made Inoka Ranaweera’s three‑wicket over historic?
Taking three wickets in a single over in a World Cup opener is unprecedented in women’s cricket. The spell swung momentum briefly, dismissing a top‑order batter, a debutant, and the opposing captain, showcasing her skill and composure under pressure.
Why is the prize money for this edition significant?
At $4.2 million USD, the 2025 prize pool is double the amount offered in 2022. This increase, announced by ICC Women’s Cricket Head Beth Barrett‑Wild, signals growing commercial interest and a push toward gender parity in international cricket.
Who are the key players to watch for India in the next match?
All eyes will be on openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma for a solid start, while spin bowler Deepti Sharma could be the match‑winner if she repeats her wicket‑taking form from Guwahati.
What does the win mean for India’s World Cup title hopes?
Securing two points early boosts confidence and places India in a strong position to qualify for the knockouts. Consistency in both batting depth and spin bowling will be crucial as the competition tightens.
