India clinched the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI series title in commanding fashion, overwhelming hosts Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final at Colombo on Sunday. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stole the spotlight with a masterful century, while the bowlers backed her up with a disciplined performance to seal the comprehensive win.
After being put in to bat, Mandhana dazzled with a 101-ball 116, anchoring India’s innings with grace and aggression. Battling cramps in humid conditions, the elegant southpaw struck 15 boundaries and two sixes, including a remarkable sequence of four consecutive fours off Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu. This was Mandhana’s 11th ODI century and her second major contribution in as many matches, having scored a fifty in the previous game against South Africa.
India’s innings was built around two key partnerships: 70 runs for the opening wicket with Pratika Rawal (30) and 120 for the second with Harleen Deol (47). Though Mandhana was dropped early on 21, she made the opposition pay dearly, orchestrating a fluent batting display that set the foundation for India’s imposing total of 342 for seven.
India’s finishers then turned up the heat. Jemimah Rodrigues, fresh off a career-best 123, blasted a quick 44 off 29 balls, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with a brisk 41 off 30. Late cameos from Deepti Sharma (20 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (18) helped India add 90 runs in the final 10 overs. For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari stood out with figures of 2/59, supported by Dewmi Vihanga and Malki Madara who took two wickets apiece.
Chasing a daunting 343, Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a nightmare start as Hasini Perera was bowled by Amanjot on the third ball of the innings. Athapaththu (51) and Vishmi Gunaratne (36) attempted to rebuild, but consistent pressure from India’s bowlers stalled their progress. Deepti Sharma’s miserly spell and timely strikes from Amanjot and Sneh Rana ensured Sri Lanka never found momentum.
Rana’s 4/38 and Amanjot’s 3/54 ripped through the middle and lower order, with Nilakshika Silva (48) offering the only other notable resistance. India’s sharp fielding and relentless bowling attack wrapped up the hosts for 245, securing a dominant 97-run victory.
With this win, India not only lifted the trophy but also sent a clear message about their growing strength and depth in women’s cricket.
