The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup returns to India after a 12-year hiatus, and for the hosts, the tournament represents more than just cricket. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India will open their campaign against Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, carrying the hopes of a nation eager for its first women's ICC title.

India, ranked world No.3, head into the home World Cup full of confidence after recent victories over England in both ODI and T20I series and by ending a worrying losing streak against Australia in a pre-tournament series, narrowly falling short while chasing 413 in the final ODI in New Delhi against the seven-time champions.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who has been in outstanding form , will spearhead the Indian batting line-up in the ICC tournament. The left

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