Colombo, May 11 – India’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, played a match-winning knock, leading her team to a commanding total of 342 for seven in the final of the Women's Tri-Nation ODI Series against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Despite battling cramps in the humid conditions, the elegant left-hander produced a sublime century, scoring 116 runs off 101 balls. This impressive innings laid a solid foundation for India's innings after captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bat first.
Mandhana's knock was marked by 15 boundaries and two sixes, with a memorable moment coming when she hit four successive boundaries off Chamari Athapaththu to bring up her 11th ODI century in style.
After the early dismissal of Pratika Rawal for 30, Mandhana shifted gears effortlessly, reaching her 32nd ODI fifty with a stylish sweep behind square. She formed a crucial partnership of 120 runs off 106 balls with Harleen Deol, who contributed 47 runs off 56 balls, including four boundaries.
Mandhana’s departure came as she attempted a lofted cover drive, leaving India at 150 for two. This set the stage for a strong finish as Jemimah Rodrigues, fresh off her career-best 123 against South Africa, struck a quick-fire 44 off 29 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur also added 41 off 30 balls, including four fours and a six, as India accelerated in the back-10, piling on 90 runs.
Despite a brief period where India seemed to lose momentum in the final overs, cameos from Deepti Sharma (20 not out off 14 balls) and Amanjot Kaur (18 off 12 balls) ensured India surpassed the 340-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari was the standout bowler with figures of 2/59. Dewmi Vihanga (2/69) and Malki Madara (2/74) also claimed two wickets each in the high-scoring encounter.
Brief Scores:
India 342/7 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 116, Harleen Deol 47, Jemimah Rodrigues 44, Harmanpreet Kaur 41; Sugandika Kumari 2/59, Dewmi Vihanga 2/69, Malki Madara 2/74) vs Sri Lanka.