Galle: The Indian women’s cricket team Thursday held their nerves in pressure situations to beat Sri Lanka by seven runs in the second ODI here Thursday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. India also earned two additional points as the match is a part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Batting first, India were all out for 219 in 50 overs on a slow track where young wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia’s (68, 66b, 9×4) fluent half century turned out to be a match-winning knock.
In reply, the visitors bowled out the hosts for 212 in 48.1 overs with seamer Mansi Joshi (2/49) and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/37) bowling well.
Earlier, put into bat, the Indians failed to get going primarily due to slow batting from veteran skipper Mithali Raj (52, 121b, 4×4). After her departure Indian innings gained some momentum. It was youngsters Tanya and Dayalan Hemlatha (35, 31b, 3×4) who propped up the scoreboard, taking the team closer to the 220-run mark. It could have been more but India lost four wickets in the final over with part-time seamer Chamari Atapattu (3/42) striking.
Opener Atapattu (57, 95b, 8×4, 1×6) and Shashikala Siriwardene (49, 91b, 6×4) added 89 runs for the fourth wicket to keep the islanders afloat. But after their departure Sri Lankan hope faded away and they were bundled out for 212.
Brief scores: India 219 (Taniya Bhatia 68, Mithali Raj 52) bt Sri Lanka 212 (Chamari Atapattu 57; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2/37). by seven runs.