The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup opener at Guwahati between India and Sri Lanka was a thrilling contest that ended with a hard-fought victory for India over Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS Method). The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and resilience.
Fans were treated to an intense battle as India faced a mid-innings wobble but managed to recover strongly, setting the stage for a memorable tournament. The victory in such a nail-biting opener has injected fresh confidence into the Indian team as they look ahead to tougher challenges in the World Cup.
Amanjot Kaur, an important all-rounder for India, shared insights into the mindset that helped turn the game around despite difficult moments. She stressed the importance of staying positive and proactive even when the situation seemed precarious. “You can’t afford to play slow, even if you are six wickets down. You don’t want to waste balls for the next batter,” Amanjot explained, highlighting the aggressive yet calculated approach they adopted.
She further shared how having Deepti Sharma by her side at the crease was a source of immense confidence. “When I came to the crease, I knew Deepti was there with me, and together, we could build a strong partnership. We understood that for as long as we stayed at the crease, we could take India to a dependable total,” Amanjot said, emphasizing the trust and understanding between the two batters. Together they built a 103 runs partnership for the 7th wicket.
Amanjot also reflected on her own journey back from injury, drawing a parallel between her recovery and her performance that day. “Sometimes, a warrior takes a step back to make a longer leap forward. I really enjoyed batting in the World Cup’s first match, despite the tough start with the first six balls being dots,” she remarked. She added that the break after her injury had been a learning phase, strengthening her mentally and physically, preparing her to contribute effectively under pressure as she has become more patient.
Looking forward, Amanjot expressed cautious optimism about India’s campaign in the World Cup. “The first day went well, and hopefully, the next eight days will also go well. We are taking the tournament one game at a time,” she stated. Her focus is firmly on building solid partnerships at the crease and maintaining composure through each challenging situation, aiming to keep India in strong contention throughout the tournament.
Her remarks reflect the spirit of a team that refuses to be daunted by setbacks, instead using them as steppingstones toward bigger goals. Amanjot’s belief in herself, in Deepti Sharma, and the entire squad’s capability sets a determined tone for India’s journey ahead in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
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