India Suffers Collapse Against Sri Lanka, Lose 3 Wickets in Single Over

In a stunning turn of events, hosts India Women suffered a shocking batting collapse in the opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, losing four wickets for just four runs as Sri Lanka Women seized control at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bowl first in a rain-curtailed 48-overs-a-side contest, a decision that paid immediate dividends as spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed a devastating 4-21 from four overs. India, chasing their elusive first World Cup title on home soil, were reduced to 136/6 after 29 overs, with the lower order tasked with rebuilding against a fired-up Sri Lankan attack. The match, delayed twice by showers, underscores the growing competitiveness in women's cricket, where Sri Lanka—absent from the 2022 edition—aims to upend the favourites.

The collapse unfolded dramatically in the 26th over, with Ranaweera dismissing Harleen Deol (48), Jemimah Rodrigues (0), and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (0) in successive deliveries, missing a hat-trick by a whisker. Richa Ghosh followed soon after for 4, leaving Deepti Sharma (not out 12) and Sneh Rana to steady the innings. Earlier, opener Smriti Mandhana departed for a duck, caught off Udeshika Prabodhani, setting a tense tone. Pratika Rawal and Deol offered resistance with a 67-run second-wicket stand, but Rawal holed out for 39 off Chamari Athapaththu, caught spectacularly by Vishmi Gunaratne. India's top order, boasting a formidable record of 31 wins in 35 ODIs against Sri Lanka, faltered on a pitch offering turn and variable bounce, exacerbated by the slow outfield from intermittent rain.

Sri Lanka's resurgence stems from a revamped squad blending youth and experience, with Athapaththu, the all-time leading run-scorer in women's ODIs, leading from the front. The islanders, who last reached World Cup semifinals in 2017, skipped the 2022 tournament but qualified emphatically via the 2024 Asia Cup. Key performers like Harshitha Samarawickrama and all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga bolster their lineup, while Ranaweera's left-arm spin exploited India's aggressive approach. India, ranked No. 3 globally, entered as overwhelming favourites with a star-studded XI including vice-captain Mandhana and all-rounder Sharma, but the absence of pace spearhead Renuka Singh—rested due to workload management—exposed vulnerabilities. The hosts' playing XI featured newcomers like Kranti Gaud, signalling a blend of youth and grit under Kaur's leadership.

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As the match hangs in balance with 19 overs remaining, India eye a defendable total around 200, drawing on their unbeaten home record in recent ODIs. Sri Lanka, buoyed by the early breakthroughs, will fancy chasing under lights in this day-night affair. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, features eight teams vying for glory, with England facing South Africa next in Guwahati. Broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, the opener has already captivated audiences, highlighting women's cricket's rising stature since the 2017 edition's record 150,000 attendance in India. A Sri Lankan upset could reshape group standings, while India will regroup for their title quest.

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