Is the First Match Really Crucial for India in the Women’s ODI World Cup?
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Synopsis
As India prepares for its first match in the Women’s ODI World Cup against Sri Lanka, Deepti Sharma stresses that a strong start is crucial for the team's success. Discover the insights from players as they aim to break their World Cup drought.
Key Takeaways
- First match importance: Sets the tournament's tone.
- India's history: Yet to win the Women's ODI World Cup.
- Team preparation: Familiarity with Sri Lanka's strengths.
- Focus on processes: Staying grounded amid expectations.
- Past performances: Confidence from recent victories.
Guwahati, Sep 29 (NationPress) As India gears up for its inaugural match in the Women’s ODI World Cup against co-hosts Sri Lanka, senior off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma highlighted the significance of a strong start in the tournament, asserting that it plays a pivotal role in shaping the team’s trajectory.
India has yet to capture the Women’s ODI World Cup, having reached the finals in 2005 and 2017 as their best achievements. The squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is eager to embark on its quest for a first senior World Cup title when it faces Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium on Tuesday.
“The first match is always crucial as it sets the tone for the tournament. We have recently faced Sri Lanka and are well-acquainted with their batting and bowling capabilities. With that knowledge, we are gearing up accordingly,” Deepti noted during an interview on JioStar.
In their last encounter in an ODI, India triumphed over Sri Lanka to secure victory in the tri-series held in Colombo earlier this year. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared insights on how the team aims to tackle challenges posed by Sri Lanka, who are captained by Chamari Athapaththu.
“Our game against Sri Lanka will be our first, bringing certain expectations. However, it’s essential for us to focus on our processes and not be swayed by outside pressures. We’ve played commendable cricket over the past year, and it’s vital to trust ourselves and our skills,” she stated.
India last hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2013, which was claimed by Australia. The country also hosted the prestigious event in 1978 and 1997. The semifinals of the eight-team 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup are set for October 29 and 30, with the final scheduled for November 2.
Point of View
The first match is not just another game; it’s a chance to establish momentum and confidence. The Indian team, under the guidance of experienced players like Deepti Sharma and Smriti Mandhana, is poised to leverage its past experiences against Sri Lanka to secure a strong start. Their performance will be pivotal in shaping the narrative for the rest of the tournament.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the first match important in the Women’s ODI World Cup?
The first match sets the tone for the tournament, influencing team morale and confidence as they embark on their World Cup journey.
What are India's past achievements in the Women’s ODI World Cup?
India has been a finalist in the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2005 and 2017 but has yet to secure a title.
Who are the key players for India in this tournament?
Key players include Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana, who are expected to lead the team's efforts.
When was the last Women’s ODI World Cup hosted in India?
The last Women’s ODI World Cup hosted in India was in 2013.
How does India plan to tackle Sri Lanka in their opening match?
India aims to leverage their recent experiences and familiarity with Sri Lanka's strengths to secure a win in their opening match.
