Mithali Raj Guides Indian Women's Team to Twenty20 Series Win Over Sri Lanka
Mithali Raj was the star performer for India as she hit an unbeaten 51, which included six boundaries.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: February 24, 2016 05:22 PM IST
The Indian women's cricket team survived a mid-innings collapse to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second Twenty20 International for an 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Ranchi. (Read More in Cricket)
After restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8 in 20 overs, the Indians endured some anxious moments before coming through in 19 overs.
The decision to bat first backfired severely on the Lankans with Ekta Bisht (3/22) and Poonam Yadav (3/17) combining to rip through the visiting line-up.
Dilani Manodara's 27 was the best that a Lankan batter could manage, followed by skipper Shashikala Siriwardene's 26-run effort.
In reply, India's in-form captain Mithali Raj was the star performer for the hosts, striking an unbeaten 51 which came off 52 balls and was studded with half a dozen fours.
However, she could not find a steady partner in the chase until Anuja Patil joined her at the crease. Patil's 33-ball 34 came handy as India overhauled the target after some hiccups.
Inoka Ranaweera was the top bowler for the Lankans, grabbing three wickets for a mere 10 runs in her four overs.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka Women: 107/8 in 20 overs (Dilani Manodara 27, Poonam Yadav 3/17).
India Women: 108/5 in 19 overs (Mithali Raj 51 not out, Inoka Ranaweera 3/10).