WATCH: Deepti Sharma gives sendoff after cleaning up Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu in IND-W vs SL-W Women’s World Cup 2025

All-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her excitement after bowling out Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain, in the Women’s World Cup 2025 opening match between India and Sri Lanka on September 30. Athapaththu had been batting dangeroulsy for her 43 runs off 47 balls, but Deepti managed to bowled her for her 43, ending her stay by knocking back her stumps with a well-pitched ball, on her last ball of the 15th over. The wicket curtailed Sri Lanka's momentum, just as the captain was beginning to take command and stamp her authority on the innings.

India were patient, with both off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana bowling Chamari attempting yorkers with varying degrees of success. While some of their wares sped away to the boundary Deepti showed urgency and accuracy and was rewarded as a ball slipped under the defense to take the important wicket of Chamari. This was also the fifth time Deepti had taken Chamari out in ODI cricket, further stamping her claim over the Lankan captain and to solidify her role as a key strike bowler.

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Watch the video of Chamari Athapaththu's send off;

India Women posted 269 for 8 in 47 overs

India Women posted a competitive total of 269 for 8 in 47 overs in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opener against Sri Lanka on September 30. Pratika Rawal provided early impetus with a quick 37 off 59, while Harleen Deol anchored the innings with 48 runs. Contributions from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (21) and Amanjot Kaur’s aggressive 57 off 56 kept the scoreboard moving. Deepti Sharma also played a crucial role, scoring 53 off 53, while Sneh Rana’s unbeaten 28 added late fireworks to India’s innings.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers tried hard to restrict the Indian batting line-up, with Inoka Ranaweera leading the attack, claiming 4 wickets for 64 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani picked up two scalps, while Chamari Athapaththu and Achini Kulasuriya chipped in with one each. Despite losing wickets in quick succession during the middle overs, India maintained their momentum with useful partnerships. Extras also added 15 runs to the total, helping India finish with a challenging score as they looked to defend strongly.