All-round performances from Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur powered India to a 59-run victory (DLS method) over co-hosts Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Deepti Sharma became the first Indian bowler to score a fifty and take a three-wicket haul in a World Cup match. Alongside Amanjot, she staged a rescue act that turned the tide for the hosts.

India, reeling at 124/6, recovered through a superb 103-run stand between Amanjot Kaur (57) and Deepti Sharma (53). Their partnership steadied the innings before Sneh Rana’s explosive cameo of 28* off 15 balls lifted India to 269/8 in a rain-affected, 47-overs-a-side game.

The bowlers then delivered to perfection. Deepti led with 3-54, while Rana was outstanding

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