The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 kicked off with a record-breaking number of spectators in Guwahati, with India pushing through a batting collapse to defeat Sri Lanka in the opening match. The battle between the co-hosts took place at the ACA Stadium and drew 22,843 fans, setting a new opening-day attendance record for any Women’s World Cup fixture, after surpassing the former record of 15,935 from the 2024 India-Pakistan ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
This encouraging start to the tournament has been celebrated as a testament to the growing influence of women’s cricket, due to both the on-field competition and the scale of support.
Sachin Tendulkar, former India captain and Hall of Famer, praised the developments made in the sport and acknowledged the impact of the Women’s Premier League and equal pay initiatives. In his ICC column, Tendulkar credited former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for pushing reforms such as equal match fees and helping establish the WPL, observing that the measures have granted players exposure and financial stability. He also pointed to the ICC’s decision to announce record prize money for this edition, which even surpasses what had been offered for the men’s tournament in 2023.
On the field, India’s campaign commenced with significant drama. After being sent in to bat, the hosts slipped from 120-2 to 124-6 in the space of just 11 deliveries, with Sri Lankan spinner Inoka Ranaweera triggering the collapse by claiming three wickets in the 26th over. However, India recovered strongly through a resilient seventh-wicket stand of 103 between Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma. Kaur, who was given four reprieves, struck 57, while Sharma anchored the innings with 53. Their partnership allowed India to post 269-8 from 47 overs, with Sneh Rana adding quick late runs. Rain delays reduced the match to 47 overs per side, leaving Sri Lanka with a target of 271.
The visitors began brightly and reached 82-1 before captain Chamari Athapaththu fell for 43, halting their momentum. Despite a 52-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka lacked the depth to counter India’s spin attack. Sharma capped her all-round performance by taking 3-54, while Rana and Shree Charani picked up two wickets each as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 211 in the 46th over. India sealed a 59-run victory, much to the delight of a lively home crowd.
The Bangladesh team also secured a seven-wicket win over Pakistan at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday, adding to the early excitement of the tournament. Pakistan, who opted to bat first, was rocked immediately by 20-year-old pacer Marufa Akter, who dismissed both openers for golden ducks in the very first over. Her pace and movement left Pakistan reeling at 2-2.
Despite Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim attempting to steady the innings with a 42-run stand, the spin of Nahida Akter broke their resistance with two wickets in successive overs. From there, Pakistan’s innings unravelled as wickets fell regularly. Rameen Shamim’s 23 was the top score, while skipper Fatima Sana contributed 22 in a total of 129 all out. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, and Marufa Akter all making breakthroughs. Shorna Akter cleaned up the tail, finishing with 3-5 in just four overs.
In spite of the early loss of two wickets, Bangladesh put up a steady chase, with debutant Rubya Haider striking eight fours on her way to an unbeaten 54. She found strong support from Captain Nigar Sultana, who made 23 during their 62-run third-wicket stand.
Mostary’s brisk 24, featuring six boundaries, ensured the chase was completed with ease inside 32 overs. Haider and Mostary’s unbeaten teamwork guided Bangladesh to a dominant victory, displaying the team’s balance and confidence.
The opening matches of the Women’s World Cup’s 13th edition made a clear statement about competitive cricket as well as the rising profile of the women’s game on an international level. With eight teams competing for the title, the tournament has already delivered moments that redefined history. In the upcoming matches, defending champions Australia are set to face New Zealand in Indore, while England will be launching their campaign against South Africa in Mumbai.
