India women thrash Sri Lanka in first ODI

Riding on half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur followed by Poonam Yadav's four-wicket haul, India women thrashed Sri Lanka by 107 runs in the first One-Day International of the three-match series, in Ranchi, on Monday.

Put in to bat, India scored 245 for six in their allotted 50 overs before they bundled out Sri Lanka for a meagre 138 in 45.2 overs.

Besides the two half-centurions, skipper Mithali Raj also chipped in with a crucial 49.

Opener Mandhana anchored the first half of the innings with a solid 55 that came off 81 deliveries and was studded with eight fours.

After Mandhana's dismissal, Harmanpreet took charge with a 61-ball 50, while Mithali's 49 off 74 deliveries also came in handy for the team.

Chasing 246, Sri Lanka lost Chamari Jayangani (1) early, but the other opener Prasadani Weerakkody played a patient innings of 113-ball 69 to steady the innings.

At one stage, Sri Lanka were decently placed at 122 for three before Indian bowlers led by Poonam cut through the middle and lower order as the visitors lost their last seven wickets for just 16 runs.

Brief scores:

India: 245 for six in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 55, Harmanpreet Kaur 50; Shashikala Siriwardene 2/31).

Sri Lanka: 138 all out in 45.2 overs (Prasadani Weerakkody 69; Poonam 4/22).