How Did Harshita and Nilakshi's Fifties Lead Sri Lanka to a Triumphant Win Over India?

Colombo, May 4 (NationPress) Outstanding performances from Harshita Samawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva propelled Sri Lanka to a three-wicket victory against India in the fourth match of the women’s ODI tri-series held at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was the top scorer for India, amassing 58 runs as the team posted a total of 275/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Harshita contributed 53 runs, while Nilakshi ignited the chase with a blistering 56 runs off just 33 balls. The duo formed a critical partnership of 57 runs off 38 balls with Kavisha Dilhari, who scored 35 off 32 balls, before Nilakshi was dismissed in the 43rd over.

Anushka Sanjeewani (23 not out) and Sugandika Kumari (19 not out) secured the win for Sri Lanka with an unbroken 40-run eighth-wicket partnership, marking the second-highest successful run chase for the team in women's ODIs. This victory also marked their first ODI win against India since 2018, making it their third triumph over the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team in 34 encounters.

After being asked to bat first on a slow pitch, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana put together a 51-run opening partnership before Mandhana was run out in the power-play's final over. Following Pratika's lbw dismissal by Inoka Ranaweera, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur formed partnerships of 42 and 44 runs with Harleen Deol (29) and Jemimah Rodrigues (37) respectively.

Richa then took charge, scoring 58 off 48 balls, while sharing a 52-run partnership with Deepti Sharma. However, after Richa’s dismissal in the 44th over, India struggled to finish strong, conceding only 29 runs in the last five overs. Sugandika and skipper Chamari Athapaththu were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, each taking three wickets.

During their chase, Sri Lanka maintained a steady approach. Sneh Rana was again the standout bowler for India, finishing with figures of 3-45. However, the injury of all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who left the field after bowling just five overs, forced Harmanpreet to use Pratika as the sixth bowler. Despite the early wickets of Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshita kept the run rate steady with her quick fifty.

Nilakshi's explosive batting was pivotal in turning the game in Sri Lanka’s favor. With her aggressive hitting and a few misfields from India, Nilakshi and Kavisha took 20 runs off Arundhati Reddy in the 37th over, and Sri Lanka ultimately clinched the match with five balls remaining. This result opens up the competition, with Sri Lanka now tied with India on four points, set to face a winless South Africa on Tuesday.

Brief Scores: India 275/9 in 50 overs (Richa Ghosh 58, Jemimah Rodrigues 37; Chamari Athapaththu 3-43, Sugandika Kumari 3-44) lost to Sri Lanka 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshi de Silva 56, Harshitha Samarawickrama 53; Sneh Rana 3-45, Pratika Rawal 1-32) by three wickets.