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Asia Cup: India women beat Bangladesh

Last updated on: May 02, 2008 20:36 IST

Riding on a blistering century (109) by skipper Mithali Raj and a five-wicket haul by off-spinner Pujare Seema, India on Friday thumped Bangladesh by 182 runs in Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

Mithali was mainly instrumental in resurrecting the Indian innings after her team was reduced to 48-2 and she carried on till the end to raise 250 for 3 after calling the coin correctly and electing to bat first.

Mithali's chanceless knock came from 92 balls which included 15 fours and one six.

Giving her support at the other end was opener Jaya Sharma (72 off 118 balls with eight fours) and the duo put on 110 runs for the third wicket in 20 overs to put their team back on track.

Later, Mithali and Purnima Rau (27 off 35 balls) added another 92 runs in little over 12 overs for their unbeaten fourth wicket partnership. 

Chasing the mammoth target of 251 for a win, debutante Bangladesh were bowled out for a paltry 68 in 30.2 overs with only Irin Sultana (19) and Shathira Jakir (12) managing to reach double figures.

Off-spinner Pujare Seema was the pick of India bowlers with 5-17 while ICC Women Player of the Year Jhulan Goswami, claimed 4-18.

The match was not an ODI which means Jhulan will have to wait to become the fourth bowler in women's cricket to take 100 or more wickets in ODI. Jhulan now sits on 96 wickets.

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