The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup returns to India after a 12-year absence, and for the hosts, the competition means more than just cricket. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on Tuesday at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, carrying the hopes of a nation in pursuit of its first women’s ICC title.
India, ranked third in the world, enters the home World Cup with confidence after recent victories over England in both ODI and T20I series. They also ended a worrying losing streak against Australia in a pre-tournament series, narrowly missing out while chasing 413 in the final ODI against the seven-time champions in New Delhi.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who has been in exceptional form, will lead the Indian batting line-up in the ICC event. The left-hander has scored four ODI centuries this year, including consecutive hundreds against Australia, with an average of 66.28 and a strike rate of 115.85. Her partnerships with young opener Pratika Rawal have strengthened India’s top order, ensurig consistency and providing a solid foundation for setting or chasing big totals in Shafali Verma’s absence.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, in her fifth World Cup, brings experience and a tournament average of above 50, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations. Jemimah Rodrigues has added poise to the middle order, scoring 66 in a warm-up against England, while Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Amanjot Kaur add depth and balance to the line-up.
INDW vs SLW: GUWAHATI PITCH REPORT
India may have to reconsider their spin-heavy strategy for the ICC Women’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, as the ACA Barsapara Stadium pitch is expected to favour batters over bowlers.
“Barsapara wicket never assisted spin. It has always been a good, sporting wicket and there should be no difference this time,” a curator told PTI, suggesting the match could turn into a high-scoring affair if batters settle in.
INDW vs SLW: HEAD-TO-HEAD IN ODIS
India Women have a strong ODI record against Sri Lanka, having won 31 of the 35 matches. Their supremacy in recent years has been evident, while Sri Lanka has failed to stay up, making India the clear favourites for Tuesday’s encounter.
INDW vs SLW: Predicted Playing XI
India predicted XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur
Sri Lanka predicted XI: Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Kavisha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani, Malki Madara
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