Women's World Cup 2013 - Day One

Headlines

- India beat West Indies by 105 runs
- Thirush Kamini hits a sparkling hundred in opening game
- Cup holders England keen to avoid any early slip ups
- Australia set to take on Pakistan and New Zealand face South Africa

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India made a dream start to the 2013 World Cup by thrashing the West Indies thanks largely to a sparkling performance by Thirush Kamini. The opening bat powered her way to 100 off just 146 balls before being expertly ran out by Deandra Dottin.

The Windies were no match for the tournament hosts as they succumbed to 179 all out, despite Dottin scoring a quick-fire 39 after she had already taken 3-32 in the Indian innings.

Speaking after the game, Indian captain Mithali Raj, who is captaining her country at her fourth World Cup, said: "The partnership between Kamini, who became the first Indian to score a century in the World Cup, and Raut was very important and I hope they continue to do so against the good sides because it is very important that whether you bat or field you must have a good opening stand."

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At 3.30am (GMT) tomorrow, cup holders England kick off their defence at the same venue against a plucky Sri Lankan team. Skipper Charlotte Edwards is keen for her side to get off to a clinical start and will be hoping they avoid any early slip ups.

She said: "We see the World Cup as a real challenge. Playing and winning in India will be the biggest challenge we've been up against in recent times, hence the reason for training so hard. We have all been fortunate to play a lot in India recently, which certainly helps. It's a World Cup, it only comes around every four years, so this is a really exciting challenge for the team."

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In the other two games, Australia will start as strong favourites against an inexperienced Pakistan side, and form team New Zealand, who have beaten both England and Australia in recent weeks, will face South Africa.

Expect more fireworks tomorrow - all three games start at 3.30am

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