India clinched the tri-series title in a commanding fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, May 11. Opting to bat first, India posted an imposing total of 342/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant century from Smriti Mandhana, who scored 116 off 101 balls.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum, and they were bowled out for 245 in 48.2 overs. India’s bowlers, led by Sneh Rana (4/38) and Amanjot Kaur (3/54), were relentless, creating pressure that eventually led to Sri Lanka's downfall.
Sri Lanka's chase began poorly as they lost opener Hasini Perera for a duck in the first over. Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided some resistance, scoring 51 off 66 balls, including a crucial 68-run stand with Vishmi Gunaratne (36 off 41), but struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Athapaththu brought up her 18th ODI fifty but was dismissed soon after, leaving Sri Lanka in a difficult position. Nilakshi de Silva (48 off 58) tried to delay the inevitable, but the pressure of the required runs mounted, and Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 245.
Earlier, India’s innings was anchored by the partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. They started cautiously, with Mandhana getting off the mark on her fourth delivery and quickly finding her rhythm. The two put on a 70-run stand for the first wicket, taking 89 balls. After Rawal was dismissed for 30 (49 balls), Mandhana ramped up the aggression, bringing up her half-century off 55 balls, as India moved past 100 in the 22nd over.
Mandhana’s shift in gears was evident as she unleashed a series of boundaries, particularly targeting Sri Lankan bowlers Piumi Badalge and Dewmi Vihanga. In the 30th over, Mandhana took on Athapaththu, hitting her for four consecutive fours to reach her century off 92 balls. Her 116-run knock was the cornerstone of India’s total, and she was involved in a crucial 120-run partnership with Harleen Deol (47 off 56).
After Mandhana’s dismissal, Harmanpreet Kaur (41 off 30) and Jemimah Rodrigues (44 off 29) continued to push the score, and India finished with a dominant 342/7.
This victory not only secured India the tri-series title but also served as an excellent preparation for the upcoming World Cup. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will look to build on this momentum as they take on England in June.
