How Did Smriti, Amanjot, and Sneh Lead India to Victory in ODI Tri-Series?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, Smriti Mandhana, alongside Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana, led India to a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final. Smriti's outstanding century and the bowlers' exceptional performance ensured a convincing win. Discover how these key players shined on a memorable day for Indian cricket!
Key Takeaways
- Smriti Mandhana scored a vital century with 116 runs.
- Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur were crucial with the ball.
- India posted the highest total in women's ODIs in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka struggled with fielding and bowling.
- India's depth in batting proved decisive.
Colombo, May 11 (NationPress) Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana delivered a magnificent performance, scoring 116 runs off 101 balls, while Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur showcased exceptional bowling as a commanding India secured the women’s ODI tri-series title with a stunning 97-run victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
On a pitch that started slow but improved as the innings advanced, Smriti led the charge for India with her 11th ODI century, exhibiting remarkable elegance in her stroke play. Her efforts propelled India to a total of 342/7 in their 50 overs, marking the highest score recorded in a women's ODI in Sri Lanka.
In response, Sneh emerged as India's leading bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs. Amanjot also impressed, taking 3 wickets for 54 runs as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 245 in 48.2 overs. Chasing 343 runs was always a daunting task for Sri Lanka, and they struggled despite Chamari Athapaththu's contribution of 51 runs.
Following the tri-series final loss on home ground, Sri Lanka will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly their failure to capitalize on fielding chances, including dropping Smriti when she was on 21 runs off Inoka Ranaweera’s bowling.
After that reprieve, Smriti continued her excellent performance, reaching her century off 92 balls with four consecutive boundaries against the skipper in the 31st over.
Smriti, who notably scored her first ODI hundred against Sri Lanka, benefited from solid contributions from the other top six Indian batters, each scoring at least 30 runs. She formed a 70-run opening partnership with Pratika Rawal (30), before adding 120 runs for the second wicket with Harleen Deol (47).
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues added 41 and 44 runs respectively, while cameos from Deepti Sharma (20 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (18) ensured India surpassed the 340-run mark. For Sri Lanka, it was a forgettable day with the ball and in the field, as they couldn’t contain the Indian scoring rate in the middle overs.
Despite Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, and Dewmi Vihanga each taking two wickets, the Sri Lankan bowling attack lacked penetration and control. There was no visible effort to apply pressure on India, especially with missed catches and run-outs contributing to India's total of 90 runs in the last ten overs.
India had a fantastic start in defending their massive total when Amanjot dismissed Hasini Perera with the third delivery of the second innings. Although Chamari formed a 68-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne (36), Amanjot broke the stand in the 14th over by bowling the latter.
While Chamari struggled later, she still managed a fifty before being bowled by Sneh. Despite Harshitha Samawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva forming a 52-run partnership, Amanjot and Sneh claimed their wickets, solidifying India’s position as they secured a comprehensive victory, reaffirming their status as pre-tournament favorites.
Brief Scores: India 342/7 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 116, Harleen Deol 47; Sugandika Kumari 2-59, Dewmi Vihanga 2-69) beat Sri Lanka 245 in 48.2 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 51, Nilakshi de Silva 48; Sneh Rana 4-38, Amanjot Kaur 3-54) by 97 runs
Point of View
It's evident that India's victory in the ODI tri-series final was a testament to their strength and resilience. With stellar performances from Smriti Mandhana, Amanjot Kaur, and Sneh Rana, the team demonstrated their potential on the international stage. The loss for Sri Lanka highlights areas for improvement, particularly in their fielding and bowling strategies, which could have changed the outcome.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Smriti Mandhana's contribution in the match?
Smriti Mandhana scored a magnificent 116 runs off 101 balls, leading India to a total of 342.
How many wickets did Sneh Rana take?
Sneh Rana took 4 wickets for 38 runs in her bowling spell.
What was Sri Lanka's total in the match?
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 245 runs in 48.2 overs.
What was the margin of India's victory?
India won the match by 97 runs.
Where was the ODI tri-series final held?
The final was held at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
