Women’s tri-nation ODI series: IND defeats SL by 97 runs to clinch title

India displayed absolute dominance to crush Sri Lanka by 97 runs and earn a well-deserved title triumph in the Women’s tri-nation ODI series after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s sublime century and a collective effort by their bowlers here on Sunday.

After Mandhana rose to the occasion to power India to a commanding 342-7, the bowlers completed the task by bundling out Sri Lanka for 245, with Sneh Rana (4-38) and Amanjot Kaur (3-54) doing the bulk of the damage. 

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Smriti Mandhana celebrates her century yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu (51 off 66 balls) and Nilakshika Silva (48 off 58) were the chief contributors for the hosts. Earlier, battling cramps in humid conditions, elegant left-hander Mandhana, who had returned to form with a fifty in India’s last match against South Africa, struck a majestic 116 off 101 balls to lay the foundation for India’s imposing total after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat. 

Smriti’s 11th ODI century

Her knock was laced with 15 fours and two sixes, including four successive boundaries off Athapaththu to bring up her 11th ODI hundred in style. 

Mandhana made Sri Lanka pay for dropping her on 21 as she was involved in two big partnerships — 70 for the first wicket with Pratika and 120 for the second with Harleen Deol (47 off 56; 4×4).  Jemimah Rodrigues, coming off a career-best 123 against South Africa, smashed a quick-fire 44 off 29 balls, while Harmanpreet contributed a brisk 41 off 30 as India piled on 90 runs in the last 10 overs. 

‘Proud of the entire team’

Harmanpreet was delighted with the victory, “Proud of the entire team, especially the batters,” the captain said. 

Harmanpreet added, “The way the other batters apart from Smriti and me was a big positive. The way Sneh Rana bowled was also a big positive. There are a lot of positives to talk about, but I just want to enjoy the moment right now. 

“Enjoyed the conditions here in Sri Lanka, we did struggle to get accustomed to the heat, but we then got used to it and [it was] nice to win this trophy.”

Brief scores
India 342-7 in 50 overs (S Mandhana 116, H Deol 47, J Rodrigues 44, H Kaur 41, P Rawal 30; S Kumari 2-59, D Vihanga 2-69, M Madara 2-74) beat Sri Lanka 245 all out in 48.2 overs (C Athapaththu 51, N Silva 48, V Gunaratne 36; S Rana 4-38, A Kaur 3-54) by 97 runs

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