Mandhana ton helps India seal tri-series ahead of World Cup
Smriti Mandhana contributed a stunning century to help India defeat Sri Lanka in the final of the tri-series.
India opener Smriti Mandhana scored her 11th ODI century to help guide India to a convincing 97-run win over Sri Lanka in the tri-series final.
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were off to a solid start thanks to Mandhana’s efforts.
The southpaw brandished 116 runs off 101 deliveries, her first ton in Sri Lanka that was laced with 15 boundaries and two maximums, as she was named the Player of the Match.
There were also important contributions from Harleen Deol (47), Harmanpreet (41), and Jemimah Rodrigues (44) in the middle-order that helped India post 342/7.
In response, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 245 as the Indian bowlers put in a well-rounded effort, led by Sneh Rana, who notched figures of 4/38.
Rana, the leading wicket-taker in the tri-series with 15 scalps, was also named the Player of the Series for her performances.
"I am very pleased to have contributed. After so many months, I worked very hard, so I'm very grateful," said Rana post-match.
"The plan was simple - just stick to pace-off deliveries and yorkers. I worked with the bowling coach a lot, and it worked out."
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On India's preparations for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup at home later this year coming together, Rana added, "I am pretty confident about myself and the team, everyone is coming up and taking up the challenge."
India had won three of their four games en route to the final, besting South Africa twice and Sri Lanka once before the summit clash.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, had claimed a win over the Proteas and India to book their place in the decider.
All three teams will be featuring at the Women's Cricket World Cup later this year, with India hosting the tournament for the fourth time.