Indian eves outplay Sri Lanka in WC qualifier

colombo — Riding on half-centuries from Devika Vaidya, skipper Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma, India trounced hosts Sri Lanka by 114 runs in the opening match of the women’s World Cup qualifier at the P. Sara Oval on Tuesday.

Electing to bat after calling the toss correctly, India overcame the early loss of opener Mona Meshram (6) as Deepti (54) and Devika (89) put on 123 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a big score.

Deepti, who consumed 96 deliveries, hit four boundaries and a six before being dismissed by off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshani with India comfortably placed at 132 for 2.

Mithali (70) then joined Devika in the middle and the duo added another 49 runs before medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani halted the 19-year old Devika’s 103-ball vigil, comprising 11 boundaries.

The departure of Devika brought in all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, who fired a 21-ball 20 to put on 63 runs for the fourth wicket with her skipper as India found themselves at 244 for 4 when Kaur was dismissed.

Mithali, who faced just 62 balls and hit eight boundaries, continued on with Veda Krishnamurthy (10 not out) to add another 15 runs as India posted 259 for 4.

In reply, the hosts could nowhere match the pace during the chase with the asking rate mounting to finish on 114 for 8.

India’s fielding was up to the mark as the visitors accounted for three run-outs.

India will next take on rookies Thailand on Wednesday. —