The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s One Day Cricket World Cup begins today, with co-host India squaring off against Sri Lanka in the opening match at the Guwahati Cricket Stadium. This prestigious event features eight of the world’s top women’s cricket teams.
This year’s World Cup brings together elite teams including defending champions Australia, along with India, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. For the first time, the tournament adopts a hybrid format, with matches taking place across multiple countries. Pakistan’s women’s side will play all their fixtures in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh. Team captain Fatima Sana voiced her optimism ahead of the tournament, praising her teammates for their dedication and preparation.
“We’ve undergone intensive training here in Colombo. I’m very pleased with the energy, discipline, and determination shown by the team. We’re fully prepared to compete,” she said.
The Pakistan squad features a balanced mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers. The full roster includes,
Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali, Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sadaf Shams, Natalia Parvaiz, Imaan Fatima, Diana Baig, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Nawaz, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadia Iqbal.
The grand finale is scheduled for October 26, where the two most consistent teams will clash for the coveted title. With national pride and international recognition at stake, the month-long tournament is expected to deliver top-tier cricket and unforgettable moments.
Predicted Lineups for opening match:
India Women:
- Pratika Rawal
- Smriti Mandhana
- Harleen Deol
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (WK)
- Sneh Rana
- Radha Yadav
- Kranti Gaud
- Renuka Singh Thakur
Sri Lanka Women:
- Hasini Perera
- Chamari Athapaththu (C)
- Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Vishmi Gunaratne
- Anushka Sanjeewani (WK)
- Kavisha Dilhari
- Dewmi Vihanga
- Piumi Wathsala
- Achini Kulasuriya
- Udeshika Prabodhani
- Malki Madara