India faces Sri Lanka with final spot in sight

Colombo

India will aim to secure a place in the final of the ongoing Women’s ODI Tri-Series as they take on a confident Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team has won both its matches so far — against Sri Lanka and South Africa — and leads the points table.

India had earlier beaten Sri Lanka with strong performances from spinners Sneh Rana and Nallapureddy Charani, while openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana guided the team during the chase. Pratika has been in excellent form and is expected to play a key role again.

India defeated South Africa in its second match with the top order building a solid foundation. Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues then added 82 runs in the last 10 overs. Rana again shone with a key over, taking three wickets and halting South Africa’s momentum.

However, fast bowlers Kashvee Gautam and Arundhati Reddy were expensive and will need better control on Colombo’s slow pitch.

Sri Lanka revived its chances with a five-wicket win over South Africa on Friday. A record 128-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari was central to the victory. Debutant Dewmi Vihanga and Malki Madara impressed with the ball.

Still, the poor form of captain Chamari Athapaththu remains a problem. Young opener Vishmi Gunaratne has added strength to the batting line-up.

India will look to maintain its unbeaten streak and qualify for the final, while Sri Lanka must win to stay in the race.