The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup returns to India after a 12-year gap. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India will kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, carrying the aspirations of a nation eager for its first women’s ICC title.
Ranked third in the world, India comes into the tournament with confidence after series wins over England in both ODIs and T20Is, and a competitive pre-tournament series against seven-time champions Australia, narrowly losing the final ODI while chasing 413 in New Delhi.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, in exceptional form, will anchor India’s batting. The left-hander has scored four ODI centuries this year, including back-to-back hundreds against Australia, averaging 66.28 with a strike rate of 115.85. She has built a solid opening partnership with young Pratika Rawal, providing stability in Shafali Verma’s absence.
Captain Kaur, playing her fifth World Cup, brings valuable experience, boasting a tournament average above 50. Jemimah Rodrigues adds composure to the middle order, while Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Amanjot Kaur complete a well-rounded batting line-up.
India’s bowling, however, remains a concern. Renuka Singh Thakur returns from injury to lead the pace attack, supported by Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, and Amanjot Kaur, who collectively have only 25 ODI caps. Injuries have disrupted preparations, with Reddy sidelined in a warm-up and Amanjot returning from a minor setback.
The spin combination of Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and N Sree Charani could thrive in home conditions, though flatter pitches may limit their effectiveness. India’s mental strength will also be tested, having narrowly lost major finals, including the 2017 World Cup and 2022 Commonwealth Games, both to Australia.
A home World Cup triumph could boost investment in women’s cricket, strengthen calls for pay parity, and inspire young girls nationwide. Five of India’s eight league matches are at home, giving them an edge with familiar conditions and crowd support.
India Women have dominated Sri Lanka in ODIs, winning 31 of 35 encounters, making them clear favourites for Tuesday’s match.
