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 unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, here on Wednesday.
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.
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.
Brief Scores
Sri lanka: 107/8 (Dilani Manodara 27, Poonam Yadav 3/17) lost to India: 108/5 (Mithali Raj 51 not out, Inoka Ranaweera 3/10) by five wickets.