When Songs Became Prayers, Cricket Became Celebration: Guwahati Welcomes the World

In the heart of Guwahati, where music met memory and cricket met destiny, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 began with a stirring tribute to Zubeen Garg and a spirited clash between India and Sri Lanka. Before a record-breaking crowd of 22,843, India overcame early jitters to script a 59-run victory — a first step that blended emotion, culture, and sport into an unforgettable opening night.

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A City in Festive Colours

Guwahati: The city of Guwahati shimmered in festive colours on the evening of September 30, 2025. As the fragrance of Durga Puja floated through the streets, another celebration unfolded at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium: the grand inauguration of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.

What was expected to be a dazzling cultural spectacle became even more poignant — a heartfelt tribute to the late music icon Zubeen Garg, whose voice had long been the heartbeat of Assam.

A Ceremony Woven with Emotions

The opening ceremony was intentionally simple, yet rich in meaning. For forty minutes, the stadium became a place of remembrance and reverence. The soulful voices of Shreya Ghoshal, Papon, Joi Barua, and the Shillong Choir filled the night with music that blended nostalgia with pride.

Renditions of Garg’s beloved songs, including the evergreen Maya, brought tears to many eyes. The air was heavy with memory, yet vibrant with thanks. Dancers in traditional attire showcased the colourful heritage of Assam and the Northeast, reminding everyone that sports are not just about the game but about people, memories, and belonging.

The anthem Bring It Home added a triumphant note, marking the start of a month-long global celebration of women’s cricket.

Also Read: Anthems at Dusk, A World Awakens: Women’s World Cup 2025 in Guwahati

A Tribute, A Battle, A Win: India Shine Over Sri Lanka

The night shifted seamlessly from tribute to anticipation. Under the floodlights, India faced Sri Lanka in the opening clash. Sri Lanka chose to bowl first, hoping to unsettle India with early breakthroughs. With the pitch offering seam and swing, they had reason to believe.

India’s innings began shakily. Smriti Mandhana, the face of India’s batting, fell during the power play, silencing the crowd momentarily. At 24 for 1, Sri Lanka seemed to have scripted the perfect opening twist.

But tournaments test resilience. India found theirs in Deepti Sharma. Calm, watchful, and determined, she steadied the innings with support from Amanjot Kaur. Together, they stitched vital runs that lifted spirits in the stands. Every boundary was met with the same roaring cheers that moments earlier had echoed Zubeen Garg’s songs.

Deepti’s composed half-century, backed by handy lower-order contributions, carried India to a fighting total of 241 for 7.

India sealed a 59-run win when the last wicket fell under the Guwahati lights — a result that perfectly matched the night’s emotional arc: overcoming nerves and taking a confident first step in a long campaign.

More Than Just a Game

This evening was not only about runs, wickets, or the scoreboard. Guwahati itself emerged as a character — a city grieving its musical son, celebrating its culture, and hosting the world with pride.

The numbers told their own story. A record 22,843 fans filled the Assam Cricket Association Stadium, surpassing the previous best of 15,935 for a group-stage match in any ICC Women’s World Cup. Guwahati had already made history before the first ball was bowled.

The match reminded us that sport thrives on stories — of cities, of heroes, of women cricketers carrying the hopes of millions. India may have begun nervously, Sri Lanka may have tested their resolve, but together they crafted a narrative that will be remembered as the beginning of a historic World Cup.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament unfolds, the world will witness fierce contests, individual brilliance, and perhaps history being written on the field. But the memory of that first evening in Guwahati — the songs, the tributes, the collective heartbeat of fans — will remain the emotional anchor of this World Cup.