Daijiworld Media Network- Chattogram
Chattogram, Apr 28: Pratika Rawal’s composed half-century and the spin duo of Sneh Rana and debutant Shree Charani powered India to a commanding nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the rain-affected opening match of the women's tri-nation ODI series here on Sunday.
Electing to bowl first in a shortened 39-over contest, India bundled out Sri Lanka for a modest 147. Spinner Sneh Rana impressed with figures of 3/31, while young Charani bagged 2/26 on debut. Senior spinner Deepti Sharma also chipped in with two wickets, keeping the Lankan batters in check.
Chasing the target, India made light work of the task, reaching 149 for 1 in just 29.4 overs. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation with a fluent 43 before Pratika Rawal (50* off 62 balls) and Harleen Deol (48* off 71 balls) stitched an unbeaten 95-run partnership to seal an emphatic win.
Rawal, playing just her seventh ODI, continued her impressive form after her record-breaking 154 against Ireland earlier this year. The 24-year-old right-hander delighted with her elegant cover drives, hitting seven boundaries during her composed innings.
India will next lock horns with South Africa on April 29 in what promises to be another exciting clash in the tri-nation series.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 147 all out in 38.1 overs (Perera 30; Rana 3/31, Charani 2/26, Deepti 2/22);
India: 149/1 in 29.4 overs (Rawal 50*, Deol 48*, Mandhana 43).