Guwahati, Oct. 1 -- India Women kickstarted their campaign of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 with a thrilling 59-run victory over Sri Lanka Women at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, and it was Deepti who took the headlines - with bat, ball, and sheer presence on the field.
Sent in to bat, India faced a testing start. Smriti Mandhana, full of intent, went after Udeshika Prabodhani but found only the fielder at deep point for 8. The stadium collectively gasped. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol tried to steady the ship, but Inoka Ranaweera, the Sri Lankan spinner with an almost predatory eye, ripped through the Indian top order. Four wickets in quick succession, and suddenly India were 124 for 6 - a moment that had fans biting their nails, hearts pou...