Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant century while the Indian middle order chipped in with useful contributions, helping India post a huge total of 342/7 against Sri Lanka in the tri-nation series final in Colombo on Sunday.
Strong Start from Openers
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave India a steady start. They rotated the strike well and found occasional boundaries, taking India to 45/0 in the first 10 overs. India crossed the 50-run mark in 11.2 overs.
First Breakthrough for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka got their first breakthrough in the 15th over. Inoka Ranaweera, after conceding a few boundaries, dismissed Pratika for 30 off 49 balls. India was 70/1 at that stage.
Mandhana’s Dominance
Mandhana kept the momentum going and was joined by Harleen Deol. She completed her 32nd ODI fifty in 55 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. India touched the 100-run mark in 21.4 overs and then reached 150 in the 29th over.
In the 31st over, Mandhana hammered Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu for four consecutive boundaries, collecting 17 runs. She brought up her 11th ODI century in just 92 balls and surpassed Tammy Beaumont to become the third-highest century-maker in women’s ODIs.
Middle Order Support
Mandhana’s fine knock ended at 116 off 101 balls, with 15 fours and two sixes, as Dewmi Vihanga ended her 120-run stand with Harleen. India was 190/2 in 32.3 overs. Dewmi struck again to remove Harleen for 47, and India stood at 219/3.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then kept the runs flowing with a 48-run partnership. Harmanpreet smashed 41 off 30 balls before falling to Sugandika Kumari. Jemimah followed soon after, scoring 44 off 29 balls.
Strong Finish
India lost Richa Ghosh for 8 and Amanjot Kaur for 18 near the end, but Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 20 from 14 balls. India finished their innings at 342/7 in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Bowlers
Among Sri Lanka’s bowlers, Sugandika Kumari (2/59), Dewmi Vihanga (2/69), and Malki Madara (2/74) were the main wicket-takers.
Now, India will look to defend the massive 343-run target and secure the tri-nation series title.
