In a display of utmost dominance, the Indian women’s team mauled their Sri Lankan counterparts by nine wickets in the first of the three ODIs in the ICC Women’s Championship at Galle.
After bowling Sri Lanka out for 98 in 35 overs, India chased the target down in just 19.5 overs courtesy an authoritative inning from opener Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 73 off 76 balls which was decorated with 11 fours and two sixes.
India could well have won the match by 10 wickets had Mandhana’s opening partner, the experienced Poonam Raut hung on a bit longer. Raut was out for 24 when India were only 3 short of victory. That consolation wicket, however, did little to ease the pain on Sri Lanka inflicted by India.
Before Mandhana’s blitz with the bat, the Indian bowlers did a stupendous job to bowl Sri Lanka out under 100. Medium pacer Manshi Joshi, who was making a comeback to the ODI side after an injury break, made the new ball count after Sri Lanka had opted to bat first.
Joshi struck twice in the powerplay, reducing Sri Lanka to 18 for 3 and came back to draw curtains on the Sri Lankan innings by taking the last wicket of Weerakkody.
Joshi returned with figures 3 for 16. Her new-ball partner, the veteran Jhulan Goswami too was impressive with the ball, picking up two wickets. After the seamers had done their job, sending the hosts firmly on the backfoot the Indian spinners finished the job, killing any hope of a fightback from the Lankans.
Leggie Poonam Yadav picked up two wickets while Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Hemalatha picked up a wicket apiece.
The 2nd ODI will be played at the same venue on Thursday.