India became the champions of the Women’s ODI Tri-Nation Series in Colombo after beating Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final. Batting first, India posted a big total of 342/7. In reply, the hosts were bowled out for 245.
Sneh Rana starred with the ball once again. She had been in form throughout the series and finished with four wickets in the final. Her tally was 15 wickets from five matches and she was named the Player of the Series. Amanjot Kaur also impressed by taking three wickets.
Kranti Goud made her debut in this match. She bowled five overs, gave away 22 runs, but could not take a wicket.
Earlier, India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front. She scored her 11th ODI century, making 116 off 101 balls. Pratika Rawal supported her with 30 off 49. Harleen Deol scored 47 off 56, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made 41 off 30. Jemimah Rodrigues added 44 off 29, and Deepti Sharma chipped in with an unbeaten 20 off 14.
Smriti and Pratika gave India a strong start with a 70-run opening stand. After that, Smriti and Harleen put on 120 runs for the second wicket. That laid the platform for the middle-order batters. The total of 342/7 was the fifth-highest for India in Women’s ODIs.
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For Sri Lanka, Malki Madara, Dewmi Vihanga, and Sugandika Kumari picked up two wickets each.
For Sri Lanka, none of the batters could build a strong partnership. Several players got starts but failed to make big scores. Vishmi Gunaratne (36 off 41), Nilakshika Silva (48 off 58), Harshita Samarawickrama (26 off 32), Anushka Sanjeewani (28 off 41) and Sugandika (27 off 27) all got going but could not carry on.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 51 off 66, but even she could not continue under pressure while chasing such a big target.
Smriti was named Player of the Match for her brilliant hundred. During the post-match presentation, she said: “Mostly, we plan our innings to first assess the conditions. Initially they held their lines, but later on we found ways to score. All the wickets have been really good batting wickets. Not that great to bowl, but our bowlers did well regardless.”
Sneh Rana, Player of the Series in her comeback outing, sounded thrilled. “I am very pleased to have contributed. After coming after so many months, I worked very hard, so I’m very grateful. The plan was simple: just stick to pace-off deliveries and yorkers. Worked a lot with the bowling coach, and it worked out. Very confident (about the World Cup).”
Also Read: SL-W vs IND-W: 3 Highest ODI Totals for India vs Sri Lanka