India cruised to a comprehensive 109-run win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday in the last warm-up match at before the ICC Women’s World Cup.
Batting first, captain Mithali Raj and Punam Raut made half-centuries to guide India to a healthy 275/8 in 50 overs. The other significant contribution came from Smriti Mandhana, who scored 44 coming in as an opener.
The 34-year-old Raj top scored with a 89-ball 85 studded with 11 boundaries. Openers Raut and Mandhana shared a 92-run stand for the first wicket while Raj and Raut added 49 for the second wicket to give India a steady start.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 166 in 48.4 overs. Apart from Dilani Manodara’s 49, no other batter was able to put up a significant score in the big chase. Manodara’s 83-ball stay at the crease came to an end when she was trapped by Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
The left-arm spinner starred with the ball for India claiming a four-wicket haul. Opening the bowling, Shikha Pandey chipped in with 2/22. Gayakwad ended with solid figures of 4/12 in seven overs as the last seven wickets collapsed for only 31 runs.
India had earlier lost the first warm-up match to New Zealand by seven wickets, after being bowled out for 130. The batting performance against Sri Lanka will give Raj and Co a boost heading into the World Cup. India begin their campaign against England on 24 June.
Brief Scores
India 275/8 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 85, Poonam Raut 69, Smriti Mandhana 44) beat Sri Lanka 166 in 48.4 overs (Rakeswari Gayekwad 4/12, Shikha Pandey 2/22) by 109 runs.
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