India captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that the ICC Women’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka was challenging, despite the hosts securing a comfortable 59-run victory under the DLS Method on Tuesday.
Sri Lankan veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera’s four-wicket haul, including three wickets in the 26th over, put India in a difficult position at 121/5, which soon became 124/6. However, Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57) forged a vital 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket, giving India a competitive total.
Deepti then took three wickets as India comfortably won the rain-shortened 47-over match.
“It was not an easy game. We know in ICC tournaments, every game is important and high-pressure. In the middle overs, the batters managed well, despite losing wickets,” she said.
“The way Amanjot and Deepti handled the situation was outstanding to watch. Really happy all the girls came together to try to win this game for the country. Having batting depth till number seven (eight) is our biggest strength.”
Harmanpreet also praised top-order batter Harleen Deol for her steady 48.
“Harleen’s innings also played a big role for us.”
Harmanpreet acknowledged that Sneh Rana and Deepti would be key bowlers as the tournament progresses.
“Sneh Rana and Deepti’s overs were crucial, and we were hoping they keep giving us wickets, which they did whenever the team needed. Charani’s spell was also good to see. All did really well and met our expectations.”
Deepti, who was declared ‘Player of the Match’ for her half-century and three wickets, said her century stand with Amanjot was the turning point of the game.
“It was a turning point. Because back-to-back wickets were falling. We wanted to have a long partnership and bat till the 47-48th over. The things that we had planned, we executed,” she said.
“No pressure at all because I am used to these types of innings and situations. I have played them in the past, and that partnership with Amanjot was important. I do not feel pressure; I enjoy my batting.
“On this type of pitch, I believe in my stock balls and try to bowl stump to stump while backing my strengths. The first match always sets the tone, and there are a lot of positives from the match. Hopefully, in the rest of the tournament, we can continue performing and winning this way,” said Deepti.
Sri Lanka’s fielding issues persisted, and their skipper Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged this.
“We executed our plans but dropped a couple of catches, especially Amanjot Kaur’s catch. We made three mistakes, and it cost us. As a batting unit, we lost a couple of wickets early and in the middle overs, which is where we lost the game.
“We are calm. I still have faith in my youngsters because they have won more games for us. If they can perform, we have a better chance to win games. I know the mistakes, and if we can reset these plans, I believe we can bounce back,” said Athapaththu.
