The encounter between Sri Lanka and India in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will forever stand as a landmark moment in the history of women's cricket, with 22,843 fans in attendance—an all-time record. The ICC stated that this is the largest number of attendees for a group stage match at any women’s ICC event, beating last year's count of 15,935 for the women’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dubai.

India began their World Cup campaign with a victory over Sri Lanka by 59 runs using the DLS method. Playing at home and in good form, India is seeking its first World Cup title.

The festive Sunday opening ceremony showcased rich culture, celebrating Zubeen Garg, Assam's late musical legend. Top artists Papon, Joi Barua, and the Shillong Chamber Choir moved the audience with soulful versions of Garg's evergreen songs. Shreya Ghoshal conducted the Indian anthem while Sri Lanka’s Nuwandhika Kumari sang hers, returning later in the innings break for the official tournament anthem, leading a medley of popular hits to wow the crowd with the flavour of stardom.

The BCCI took the opportunity to celebrate the pioneering figures of Indian women’s cricket. Sixteen former players were recognised, including ICC hall of famers Diana Eduljee and Neetu David, along with ex-captains Shanta Rangaswamy, Pramila Bhatt, Purnima Rau, Anjum Chopra and Mithali Raj. With the recognitions, it was flagging the progress made in women’s cricket in India, and the foundations on which the current team is building.

The tournament will see 31 matches played at different venues across India, including Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam and Mumbai, and Colombo in Sri Lanka. With a record-breaking opening, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is poised for an exhilarating stage and to set new standards for the women’s game.

(With PTI inputs)