India survive early Lankan scare to post 59-run win in Women's World Cup opener

Deepti Sharma showcased her experience with a composed half-century and a decisive three-wicket haul, combining with debutant Amanjot Kaur to guide India to a 59-run win over Sri Lanka (DLS method) in their Women’s World Cup opener.

In a rain-interrupted match, India posted a total of 269/8 in 47 overs, to which the Lankans fell at 211.  For Sri Lanka, it was a case of missed opportunities. Having put India into bat, they had the game in their grasp when Harmanpreet Kaur and Co slipped to 124/6 with four wickets falling in the space of two overs.

But sloppy fielding let them down as the Indian middle and lower order capitalised to post a challenging 270-run target.

In reply, Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu looked ominous, striking the ball cleanly in her 43 off 47, but after her dismissal, the innings lost momentum and eventually ended at 211 in 45.4 overs.

Playing without senior pacer Renuka Singh, India's bowling unit showed promise with Deepti leading from the front. The new-ball duo of youngster Kranti Goud and Amanjot Kaur struck with a wicket apiece. Ably marshalled by Deepti, the three-pronged spin attack extracted a sharp turn from a dry surface that had stayed under covers for over an hour due to rain interruptions.

Sneh Rana returned 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. She repeatedly found the middle of the bat, punishing Deepti with two sixes and as many fours across successive overs.

But the Indian all-rounder had the last laugh. Coming around the wicket with a plan, she bowled full, flat, and quick and Chamari, looking to whip through the on-side, played all around it and missed, her stumps rattled. That dismissal proved to be the turning point, as Sri Lanka's run-rate dipped and their innings was derailed.

By the time Deepti wrapped up her spell, conceding little and breaking Sri Lanka's backbone, India’s bowlers had sensed urgency, kept the squeeze on, and ensured the contest swung firmly in their favour.

Earlier, Amanjot displayed character and grit under pressure in her maiden Women's World Cup match and she teamed up with veteran Deepti to lift India from a precarious position and post a challenging 269 for eight. Amanjot made 57 off 56  while Deepti scored 53 of as many balls. 

Sneh Rana also put on a fine cameo of 28 not out from 15 balls with two fours and two sixes to prop up the total.

The 39-year-old Inoka ripped through the Indian middle order, snaring three wickets in five balls- a well-set Harleen Deol (48), Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (21) -- to leave India reeling.