As North-Eastern India’s largest city buzzes with the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja, where temples and streets glow with festive cheer late into the night, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for another significant event: the Women’s Cricket World Cup. India is geared up to face Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium this Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The venue for this opening match saw an unexpected shift from Bengaluru, as all games initially scheduled for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium were relocated following a tragic stampede during an IPL victory celebration. For India, this will be their only World Cup encounter at Barsapara, a ground where they last played three T20Is against England in 2019. Notably, only six players from that 2019 squad remain, with current skipper Harmanpreet Kaur having missed that series due to injury.
Now, Harmanpreet proudly leads her country for the first time in an ODI World Cup, determined to ensure India begins its campaign with a victory. This tournament presents India with arguably their best opportunity yet to lift the World Cup trophy.
Harmanpreet is a key part of a formidable Indian batting lineup. Her vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, has been a dominant force for some time, proving a major challenge for bowlers this year with an impressive four ODI centuries already to her name. A solid opening partnership between Mandhana and Pratika Rawat could set a strong foundation for power-hitters like Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh. With the captain confirming that all players are fit, India is expected to field its strongest possible bowling attack.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Sri Lanka will undoubtedly look to their most celebrated women’s cricketer, Chamari Athapaththu, for inspiration. However, she will need substantial support from her teammates to challenge what is considered the second-strongest side in the competition.
The teams (from):
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt.), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, N. Shree Charani and Uma Chetri.
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (Capt.), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, and Achini Kulasuriya.