India Women vs Sri Lanka Women: The much-anticipated first match of the 2025 Women’s ODI Tri-Series between Sri Lanka Women and India Women is underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, April 27. The series opener has already witnessed plenty of drama, with rain playing spoilsport and forcing the match to be reduced to 39 overs per side.
Winning the toss, India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bowl first, trusting her bowling unit to make early inroads. On the other hand, Sri Lanka Women’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu showed confidence in her batters by opting to set a target.
Rain Disrupts Plans, Match Reduced to 39 Overs
Initially scheduled as a full 50-over contest, persistent rain showers in Colombo delayed the start of the match. After an inspection, match officials decided to cut down the game to 39 overs per innings. This change in format is expected to make the game more dynamic, with teams likely to adopt an aggressive approach right from the start.
Young Blood Gets Opportunity for India
In a refreshing move, India Women have fielded a youthful side, giving a platform to emerging talents. Promising names like Pratika Rawal and Nallapureddy Charani have been handed their opportunities to shine on the big stage. India’s selection reflects a perfect blend of youth and experience as they look to start the Tri-Series campaign on a winning note.
Speaking after the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in her team’s preparations and praised the newcomers for their impressive performances in domestic cricket. “It’s important to groom young players, and this series offers a good platform. The girls are excited, and we are confident,” said Harmanpreet.
Sri Lanka Banking on Experience and Youth
Sri Lanka, too, has balanced its squad with seasoned campaigners and budding cricketers. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, who remains Sri Lanka’s key player, will be crucial in providing a solid start. The hosts are aiming to make a strong statement after months of preparation and domestic competition.
Colombo Weather Update
While the rain has currently stopped, the skies in Colombo remain overcast. However, officials remain hopeful that there will be no further interruptions. The weather conditions could assist the bowlers early on, offering swing and seam movement, making the decision to bowl first by India Women a tactical one.
Key Players to Watch Out For
For India, the spotlight will be on captain Harmanpreet Kaur and young talents Pratika Rawal and Nallapureddy Charani. Experienced campaigners like Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar are also expected to play pivotal roles with both bat and ball.
For Sri Lanka, Chamari Athapaththu will shoulder much of the batting responsibility. The team will also look to its young players to step up and support their captain in setting a challenging total against a strong Indian side.
Match Timeline
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Toss: India Women won and opted to bowl first
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Match Status: Rain-affected, reduced to 39 overs per side
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Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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Weather: Overcast but improving
Final Thoughts
The India vs Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Tri-Series opener promises to be an exciting contest despite the weather hiccups. With a shortened game and plenty of young players eager to make their mark, fans can expect an aggressive and competitive battle.
Both teams have much to prove, and a strong start in the series could set the tone for the tournament. All eyes will now be on how the batters adapt to tricky conditions and how the bowlers exploit the swing and seam available at Colombo’s historic venue.
