The Indian women’s cricket team has embarked on their ICC ODI World Cup journey with a commanding 99-run victory over Sri Lanka. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the match was far from straightforward. India found themselves in a precarious position at 124-6, with their top order faltering unexpectedly. However, a resilient 103-run partnership between Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur propelled India to a competitive total of 269, which Sri Lanka couldn’t chase down. Despite the win, concerns linger over the performance of India’s vaunted top order, a critical component of their quest for a maiden world title. India has twice been runners-up in the last decade, falling short in the 2017 ODI World Cup final against England and the 2020 T20 World Cup final against Australia. These near-misses have cemented India’s status as a powerhouse in women’s cricket, but the elusive title remains the ultimate goal. The roots of women’s cricket in India trace back to 1973, but it wasn’t until the BCCI integrated women’s cricket into its fold in 2006-2007 that the sport began to flourish. This integration brought financial stability, infrastructure, and international exposure, paving the way for stars like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami to shine. In recent years, players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have further elevated the team’s stature. The introduction of pay parity and the Women’s Premier League has also spurred interest and participation in the sport. Former captain Diana Eduljee believes a World Cup victory could have a transformative impact, akin to the 1983 Prudential Cup win by the men’s team. As India prepares for their next match against Pakistan, experts caution that the real challenges lie ahead, with formidable opponents like Australia, England, and South Africa in the fray. India’s recent form, including a historic T20 series win over England, bodes well, but the team will need unwavering focus, fitness, and mental toughness to break the jinx and claim the title.