Brilliant half-centuries from Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Madavi propelled Sri Lanka Women to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India Women in the fourth match of the ongoing ODI tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 276, the hosts crossed the finish line in the final over, finishing at 278/7 in 49.1 overs. Nilakshi de Silva smashed a quickfire 56 off just 33 balls, while Harshitha Madavi anchored the innings with a composed 53 from 61 deliveries.
Supporting contributions came from Kavisha Dilhari (35 off 32), Vishmi Gunaratne (33 off 58), Chamari Athapaththu (23 off 33), Anushka Sanjeewani (23* off 28), Hasini Perera (22 off 27), and Sugandika Kumari (19* off 20), ensuring a well-rounded batting display by the Islanders.
For India, off-spinner Sneh Rana was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/45 in her 10 overs. Pratika Rawal (1/32), Arundhati Reddy (1/55), and Nallapureddy Charani (1/69) chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to field first. India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, posted a competitive 275/9 in their 50 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh top-scored with a fluent 58 off 48 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues (37 off 46), Pratika Rawal (35 off 39), and Harmanpreet Kaur (30 off 45) added vital runs in the middle order.
Chamari Athapaththu (3/43) and Sugandika Kumari (3/44) led the bowling charge for Sri Lanka, with Dewmi Vihanga (1/54) and Inoka Ranaweera (1/42) also contributing with a wicket each.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 275/9 in 50 overs (Richa Ghosh 58, Jemimah Rodrigues 37; Chamari Athapaththu 3/43)
Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshi de Silva 56, Harshitha Madavi 53; Sneh Rana 3/45)
(With ANI inputs)
