Mandhana Century Powers India to Tri-Series Victory with big win over Sri Lanka
Indian women's cricket team secured the tri-series title with a commanding 97-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo on Sunday, May 11th. A stellar century from opener Smriti Mandhana set a record total that proved well beyond Sri Lanka's reach.
Mandhana Century Powers India to a Record Total
Opting to bat first, India amassed an imposing 342 for 7, their highest women's ODI score in Sri Lanka and their fourth-highest overall in the format. Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings superbly, scoring her 11th ODI hundred (116 runs). She was instrumental in two significant partnerships – an initial 70-run stand with Pratika Rawal and a subsequent 120-run association with Harleen Deol. Contributions in the forties from Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemima Rodrigues, along with a late surge that yielded 90 runs in the final 10 overs, underscored India's batting depth.
Rana and Amanjot Ensure Comfortable Defence
Facing a record chase, Sri Lanka required nearly seven runs per over from the outset. Despite a half-century from Captain Chamari Athapaththu (51) and three fifty-run partnerships during their innings, they were unable to maintain the run rate against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Seamer Amanjot Kaur made early inroads, claiming three crucial wickets (3/54), including the first two of the innings. Off-spinner Sneh Rana then delivered a decisive performance, taking 4 wickets for 38 runs, finishing as the tri-series' leading wicket-taker. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 245.
India's comprehensive victory in the tri-series final highlighted their all-round strength and dominance over Sri Lanka, against whom they have an excellent ODI record. Smriti Mandhana's exceptional century, supported by an effective bowling led by Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur, hints India's strong contention for future global tournaments, including the upcoming World Cup.
