India-Sri Lanka WC Opener Sees Record Crowd for ICC Women’s Group Game

A roaring crowd of 22,843 spectators at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium marked the highest attendance ever for a group-stage match in any ICC women's cricket event, as India launched their Women's ODI World Cup campaign with a commanding 59-run victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The turnout surpassed the previous record of 15,935 set during the India-Pakistan clash at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai, signalling surging global interest in women's cricket amid the sport's push for parity. Hosted across India and Sri Lanka, the 2025 tournament—India's bid for a maiden title—kicks off with this high-stakes opener, leveraging home support to build momentum in the 50-over format where the hosts have dominated bilaterals but faltered in past global showpieces.

India's clinical performance, powered by a total of 265/8—anchored by half-centuries from opener Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur—set the tone under overcast skies. Sri Lanka, chasing on a pitch offering variable bounce, crumbled to 206 all out, with pacer Pooja Vastrakar claiming 4/40 to dismantle the middle order. The win, India's fourth consecutive against Sri Lanka in ODIs, underscores their recent form, including a 2024 Asia Cup triumph, and positions them atop Group A. Beyond the pitch, the electric atmosphere amplified the milestone, with fans from Assam and beyond creating a cauldron of chants, reflecting women's cricket's growth since the 2017 World Cup final's record 86,000 attendees.

The pre-match opening ceremony paid homage to Assam's cultural heritage, featuring a poignant musical tribute to the late folk icon Zubeen Garg. Acclaimed artists Papon and Joi Barua, joined by the Shillong Chamber Choir, rendered his timeless hits, evoking an emotional response from the local crowd. Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal led the anthems—India's Jana Gana Mana followed by Sri Lanka's Namo Namo Matha—while at the mid-innings break, she returned for the official tournament anthem "Rise Again" and a medley of her Bollywood favourites, blending entertainment with national pride.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seized the occasion to honour 16 trailblazing former players, including ICC Hall of Famers Diana Eduljee and Neetu David, alongside ex-captains Shanta Rangaswamy, Pramila Bhatt, Purnima Rau, Anjum Chopra, and Mithali Raj. This recognition highlights the pioneers who paved the way for the sport's professionalisation in India, where domestic leagues like the Women's Premier League have boosted participation. The 31-match tournament continues across Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai in India, plus Colombo in Sri Lanka, with semifinals in Mumbai and the final on November 2—offering India a platform to capitalise on fan fervour and chase elusive glory.

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