Overview

• Lanning called the September 30 match in Guwahati “crucial” for easing home pressure and setting early momentum.
• She advised teams to prioritise bankable group-stage wins to reach the semifinals rather than chasing flawless displays.
• The former Australia captain highlighted spin as the likely decider, pointing to India’s Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and Sree Charani against Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera, Chamari Athapaththu, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Dewmi Vihanga and Kaveesha Dilhari.
• India’s confirmed squad is led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain and features notable spin depth.
• India host an eight-team event with four semifinal slots and remain in pursuit of a first title after runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2017.