The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 got underway on September 30, with India Women taking on Sri Lanka Women at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This is the fourth time India is hosting the Women’s World Cup, with Sri Lanka as co-hosts.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss in the opening Women's World Cup 2025 match against hosts India in Guwahati and chose to bowl first, citing the dew effect. Harmanpreet Kaur, India's captain, said she too wanted to bowl first but sees it as an opportunity to score runs.
Both teams lined up for the national anthems, and when it came for India’s National Anthem, renowned Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal took center stage.
Decked in traditional Indian dress, Ghoshal, in her sugary voice, rendered ‘Jana Gana Mana’, with the camera panning towards the Indian players, who were also singing the national anthem.
ICC shared the video on their social media as well, with a caption reading: “Full heart on display from the Indian players.”
Meanwhile, before the match started, Ghoshal had visited the Indian team dressing room to boost the morale of the team. She also sang the song 'Piyu Bole' from Parineeta. Spinner Radha Yadav was ecstatic as the other players branded her a big fan of Ghoshal.
Papon, Joi Barua, and the Shillong Choir Chamber joined Ghoshal in performing at the inaugural ceremony. Papon also sang a song to honor Zubeen Garg, who died recently.
India Women Playing XI:
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani.
Sri Lanka Women Playing XI:
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
