Did Sri Lanka Captain Chamari Athapaththu Make the Right Call by Bowling First Against India in the Women’s World Cup?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As the Women’s World Cup 2025 kicks off, Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu opts to bowl first after winning the toss against India. Both teams are on a quest for their inaugural ICC title. As the match unfolds, will this decision prove pivotal in their journey?
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Chamari Athapaththu is confident in her bowling unit.
- India is fielding three spinners and two pacers.
- Both teams are eyeing their first ICC title.
- The match is being held at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Guwahati, Sep 30 (NationPress) In the opening match of the Women’s World Cup 2025, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The co-hosts are eager to start their tournament journey with a victory as both teams aim for their first-ever ICC title.
Having missed the opportunity to qualify for the 2022 tournament, Sri Lanka is determined to make an impression. Athapaththu expressed confidence in her bowling unit, stating, “We are bowling first. I believe in my bowling unit. The pitch is good for batting, but dew might be a factor later on. We are fielding seven batters. Our preparation has been solid. With the next five matches in Sri Lanka, we hope to showcase our best.”
As the tournament favorites on home soil, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared her team’s strategy of utilizing three spinners and two pacers. “We were also inclined to bowl first. The pitch looks promising, and we aim to set a competitive score. Everyone is fit and ready; we hope to see a strong performance from Smriti Mandhana today,” Kaur remarked during the toss.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani
Point of View
The decision by Chamari Athapaththu to bowl first reflects strategic foresight, especially considering the pitch conditions. Both teams are under pressure to perform, and the stakes are high as they strive for their first ICC trophy. This match is not just about cricket; it’s about national pride and the future of women's cricket.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the Women’s World Cup opener?
Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Where is the Women’s World Cup 2025 opener being held?
The opening match is taking place at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, India.
What is the significance of this match for both teams?
Both Sri Lanka and India are yet to win an ICC title, making this match crucial for their campaigns.
What strategy is India employing for this match?
India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur has opted for a combination of three spinners and two pacers.
How did Sri Lanka prepare for this tournament?
Sri Lanka missed the 2022 edition but has prepared well, focusing on their bowling unit.
