- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium), Guwahati
- Date: 30 September 2025
- Time: Day-Night Match (9:30 AM local time)
- Format: 50-over One Day International
Stadium Overview
Located in Guwahati, the Barsapara Stadium is India’s 49th international cricket venue. Opened in 2017, it has a seating capacity of 46,000, which can be expanded to 55,000. This will be the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and the first-ever women’s ODI hosted at this stadium. Nestled in Northeast India, the ground is well known for its scenic beauty and modern facilities.
Pitch Characteristics
The pitch at Barsapara offers a balanced surface that creates exciting contests in one-day cricket. It behaves a little differently compared to traditional Indian pitches.
Conditions for Batting
The surface provides fair support to batters, with good pace and bounce making shot-making easier. However, runs won’t come without effort, and careful play is required in the early overs.
As the innings progresses and the pitch settles, batters can aim for big scores. A total of 240–260 is generally considered competitive in 50-over games here, though teams may push past 280 in favourable conditions.
Opportunities for Bowlers
Fast bowlers are likely to enjoy assistance, especially with the new ball where swing can be expected. Morning moisture may help pacers strike early. Maintaining disciplined line and length will be crucial.
Spinners come into play during the middle and later overs as the pitch slows down. With clever variations, they can put batters under pressure. In the death overs, smart bowling choices could prove decisive.
Similar: India vs West Indies 1st Test Match 2025 – Pitch Report, Narendra Modi Stadium
Weather Forecast
Late September in Guwahati is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 25–32°C. Although the region often experiences light rain, the forecast for match day predicts clear skies.
High humidity levels may aid swing bowling. Since this is a day-night match, dew could fall in the evening session, making life difficult for bowlers defending a target.
Toss Factor
The toss is expected to play an important role. Teams may prefer to bowl first to exploit early morning moisture, but batting becomes easier as the day progresses. In the second innings, dew could benefit the chasing side.
Captains will need to consider pitch behaviour, weather conditions, and their team’s strengths before making a decision. In ODIs, chasing generally gives a psychological edge.
Boundary Dimensions
The boundary dimensions at Barsapara are balanced for ODIs. The square boundaries measure around 60–65 metres, while the straight boundaries extend to about 70–75 metres. Batters will need to work hard for big hits, while fielders must stay alert as the ball travels quickly to the rope.
Team Strategy Analysis
India Women
Playing in home conditions gives India a clear advantage. India has won four of its last five encounters against Sri Lanka. The team will rely on experienced players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
With the ball, Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma will be key. The strategy should focus on early breakthroughs in the powerplay and applying pressure through the middle overs. Sharp fielding and seizing run-out opportunities will also be vital.
Sri Lanka Women
Sri Lanka will enter as underdogs but with renewed confidence, having beaten India in a tri-series earlier in May 2025. Their bowlers must remain disciplined and keep Indian batters under pressure from the start.
Batting responsibilities will lie heavily on Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. They must anchor the innings with long stays at the crease. Positive and aggressive cricket will be Sri Lanka’s best chance.
Key Points
- First Women’s ODI: The first-ever women’s ODI at Barsapara.
- World Cup Opener: Official start of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
- Balanced Pitch: Offers chances for both batters and bowlers.
- Weather Factor: Warm, humid conditions with possible dew in the evening.
- Competitive Total: 240–260 considered a strong score.
- India Favourites: Advantage of home support and form.
Historical Significance
This game is not only the World Cup opener but also a milestone in promoting women’s cricket in Northeast India. The stadium previously hosted its first women’s international in 2019 during an India–England T20I series. Hosting a World Cup match today marks a significant step in the region’s cricketing development.
Conclusion
The opening match at Barsapara Stadium promises to be competitive and thrilling. With a balanced surface, both teams will have equal opportunities to showcase their skills. India will enjoy the home advantage and crowd support, but Sri Lanka cannot be underestimated.
Fans can expect a memorable contest on the very first day of the World Cup, highlighting the growing stature of women’s cricket. For the people of Guwahati, this is a historic opportunity to witness World Cup action in their own backyard—an important leap forward for cricket in Northeast India.