Skipper Mithali Raj played a captain's knock by smashing a superb 54 to steer India to a 29-run win against Sri Lanka in the Women's Cricket Asia Tournament in Dambulla on Saturday.
Mithali's 63-ball knock, aided by nine boundaries, and a valuable contribution by Priyanka Roy (44) helped India post 227 for 8 in 50 overs after electing to bat.
In reply, Sri Lankan eves, who looked in good touch as they reached 132 for 3 in 37 overs, could not finish the job for their team and were bowled out for 198 in 49.5 overs. Opener Dedunu Silva scored a brilliant 87-ball 74 but in vain.
Earlier, Mithali played an anchor's role, stitching the Indian innings together after her team was reduced to 98 for 3. The captain, along with debutant Priyanka, added 62 runs for the fourth wicket after a 62-run first wicket stand between Karu Jain (29) and Jaya Sharma (27).
A disciplined bowling attack lead by fast bowler Rumeli Dhar, who picked 3 for 28, and some good bowling by debutant off-spinner Pujare Seema (3-41) and left-arm spinner Neetu David (2 for 33) dented the hopes of the Lankans.
In another match, an all-round performance by Salma Khatun, who bagged 2-18 and scored an unbeaten 53 and a four-wickets haul by off-spinner Tithy Sarkar helped Bangladesh to register a shocking win over Pakistan.
Electing to bat, Pakistan were bowled out for 134 in 47.4 overs with only Bismah Maroof (29), Sana Mir (25) and Sajjida Shah (25) offering some resistance.
Bangladesh, in its run-chase, made a shaky start as they were reduced to 88 for 5 but Salma stood tall among the ruins and pulled off two crucial partnerships, with Rumana Ahmed and Irin Sultana, adding 24 runs for the sixth and seventh wicket each.
