India Show Depth And Character To Start World Cup With Big Win Over Sri Lanka | Cricket News

Deepti Sharma’s vast experience was evident as she scored a composed half-century and took a crucial three-wicket haul, aiding India in overcoming early setbacks to secure a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka via the DLS method in their Women’s World Cup opener on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka missed several opportunities after putting India into bat. They were in a strong position when Harmanpreet Kaur’s team faltered to 124/6, losing four wickets within two overs.

However, poor fielding cost Sri Lanka dearly, as India’s middle and lower order took advantage, setting a challenging target of 270 runs in 47 overs, following a rain delay of nearly 90 minutes.

In response, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu seemed threatening, scoring 43 off 47 balls. After her dismissal, the innings lost momentum, concluding at 211 in 45.4 overs.

Despite missing senior pacer Renuka Singh, India’s bowling attack showed promise, with Deepti leading effectively.

Youngsters Kranti Goud and Amanjot Kaur took a wicket each with the new ball. Deepti directed a three-pronged spin attack that extracted sharp turn from a dry pitch, which had been covered for over an hour due to rain.

Sneh Rana achieved figures of 2/32, while rookie left-arm spinner Shree Charani impressed with 2/37 from her eight overs.

For Sri Lanka, Chamari was the standout batter, hitting Deepti for two sixes and two fours in consecutive overs.

However, Deepti eventually had the last laugh. Switching to round the wicket, she bowled full, flat, and quick, and Chamari, attempting to whip through the on-side, missed and was bowled.

Chamari’s dismissal became the turning point, causing Sri Lanka’s run-rate to drop and their innings to lose direction.

By the time Deepti finished her spell, India’s bowlers had sensed urgency, maintained pressure, and ensured the contest swung decisively in their favour.

Earlier, Amanjot displayed resilience and determination in her debut Women’s World Cup match, partnering with veteran Deepti to rescue India from a precarious position and post a challenging 269 for eight.

India was in deep trouble at 124/6 when the 24-year-old Amanjot from Mohali stepped in.

Together with Deepti (53 off 53), Amanjot (57 off 56) rebuilt the innings with a 103-run partnership from 99 balls.

Amanjot showed remarkable composure from the start, rotating the strike and capitalising on loose deliveries. She survived three chances — dropped on 18, 37, and 50 — as Sri Lanka’s inexperienced fielders struggled.

She reached her half-century off just 45 balls, with five fours and a towering six, blending aggression and control to keep India afloat.

Senior batter Deepti anchored the other end, completing her 16th WODI fifty.

Sneh Rana contributed a quick 28 not out from 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, boosting the total.

As title favourites playing at home, India had a rough start to their campaign. Sri Lanka surprised them, reducing them to 124/6 due to left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera’s devastating spell.

The 39-year-old Inoka dismantled India’s middle order, taking three wickets in five balls — dismissing Harleen Deol (48), Jemimah Rodrigues (0), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (21) — leaving India reeling.

(With PTI Inputs)