A Dream Turned Nightmare—And Back Again
Team India entered the field with heads held high and dreams towering above the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. But halfway through their innings, what began as a confident stride toward victory turned into a harrowing collapse. Four wickets fell in quick succession, handing Sri Lanka a golden opportunity to cause an upset.
The Women in Blue were suddenly reeling.
Resilient Middle Order Saves the Day
Yet, from the rubble of faltering top-order performances rose a trio of heroes — Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, and Sneh Rana. Their gritty resistance and composed strokeplay turned the tide in India’s favor. They stitched together crucial partnerships that lifted India to a formidable 269 for 8 in 47 overs, after rain shortened the innings.
Bowling Unit Seals the Win
Defending their total, the Indian bowling attack held firm. Sri Lanka, despite a spirited effort, were bowled out for 211 runs, handing India a 59-run victory via the DLS method.
This triumph was more than just a win; it was a statement. Even in the absence of a big knock from star batter Smriti Mandhana, India showcased its depth and resilience — traits vital for a long tournament like the World Cup.
Chamari’s Blaze Not Enough
Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu (43 off 47 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) looked dangerous early on. Her explosive start kept hopes alive for the visitors until Deepti Sharma’s precise yorker ended her stay at the crease. With her dismissal, Sri Lanka’s chances dimmed considerably.
Deepti Sharma: The All-Round Star
Deepti had a game to remember. Her half-century (53 off 53 balls) and her game-changing bowling proved vital in securing the win. Her batting showed calm under pressure, stitching a 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Amanjot and adding 42 more with Sneh Rana for the eighth.
Amanjot Kaur’s Dream Debut
For Amanjot Kaur, the match was nothing short of magical. Scoring 57 runs off 56 balls, she registered her maiden ODI half-century — on her World Cup debut no less. Back in the squad after recovering from injury, she batted with assurance, consistently rotated the strike, and injected momentum when needed.
Though she offered a few chances, Amanjot made her luck count. Her knock came to an end through a sensational diving catch by Vishmi Gunaratne at deep mid-wicket — a moment of brilliance in the field.
Sri Lanka’s Brief Surge Quelled
Earlier in the Indian innings, Inoka Ranaweera’s triple strike in a single over had silenced the Indian dugout. But Deepti, Amanjot, and Sneh steadied the innings, proving once again that this Indian team isn’t dependent on just one or two stars — it’s a squad rich in character and capability.
