India’s dependable batter Jemimah Rodrigues once again showed her class and played an impeccable knock of 76 to help India start their Women’s Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a win.
Rodrigues 76 was the driving force behind India’s 150 for 6 in 20 overs. Later, Indian bowlers restricted Sri Lankan batters to just 109 to claim a comfortable 41-run victory over the neighbours in the second match of Women’s Asia Cup 2022.
Earlier, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also played a decent knock of 33 off 30 to steady the Indian innings.
Women’s Asia Cup 2022: IND W Vs SL W Match Highlights
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka Women opted to bowl first. Their bowlers proved their decision true as they removed both Indian openers early.
Both destructive openers failed to leave any mark on India’s first outing in Women’s Asia Cup 2022 campaign. Mandhana got out after scoring just 7. While Shafali walked back with 10.
But the partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur soaked all the pressure.
They both added 92 for the third wicket in 71 balls. Rodrigues from one end was playing aggressive cricket. While Kaur did the role of an anchor this time.
During the fifth ball of the sixteenth over Ranasinghe braked the partnership after removing Kaur from the crease. Rodrigues, however, continued to smash boundaries and soon edge past her previous career-best score of 72.
She missed Athapaththu slow and low ball and was bowled when on 76. But her innings set the tone for India for a defendable total.
Chasing a target of 151, Harshitha Madavi provided the Lankan side a solid start with her 26 off 20. She got run-out unfortunately and things then changed drastically for Sri Lanka.
However, Sri Lanka already lost Chamari Athapaththu and Malsha Shehani before her. But, Madavi was seen in good touch during the chase and her wicket at an important time was a not less than a shock for her side.
Hasini Perera, who came in to bat at no.4 tried her best to take the team forward but due to lack of support from other batters she felt unable to get going and got out as the highest run-scorer for her team with 30.
Sri Lanka kept on losing wickets in quick intervals and failed to chase the target and lost the game by 41 runs.
Dayalan Hemlatha bagged the most number of wickets for India. Her spell of 15 for 3 in 2.2 during the death over confirm India’s victory.
Player of the match – Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues was honoured with the player of the match award for her impressive and match winning knock of 76 off 53. Her knock included eleven fours and a maximum.
India will play their second match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 against Malaysia on Monday at the Sylhet Outer Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
