Run-outs dent SL Women`s chance to wrap up T20I series

Vizianagaram: Four run outs dented Sri Lanka Women`s chances of clinching the three-match series, as they lost the second Twenty20 International against India by nine runs, here on Sunday.

Sri Lanka Women had won the first T20I by three wickets. It was a golden chance for the visitors today to post a victory as they had restricted India to a meagre 127 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. But four run outs, including that of their top-scorer Chamari Atapattu (40) denied the Islanders success. Put in to bat, India were reduced to 29 for four with their top order back in the pavilion. Thanks to tail-enders Jhulan Goswami (23), Amita Sharma (23) and Soniya Dabir (23 not out) that Indian eves could cross the 100-run mark. All three of them added valuable runs for the fifth, sixth and seventh wickets in quick time. Pacer Udeshika Prabodhani was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka with figures of three for 16 from four overs. Chasing a modest target of 128, Sri Lanka also did not have an ideal start, as they lost two early wickets to be reeling at 15 for two in the third over. However, a 41-run stand between Chamari Atapattu and skipper Shashikala Siriwardene (21) helped the side recover. But India pegged back with four wickets between the 14th and 17th overs. It included two run-outs off successive deliveries in the 16th over, which left the Sri Lankans struggling at 101 for seven. Atapattu was run out for a well-made run-a-ball 40. The lower order failed to score the required 27 more runs and Sri Lanka finished at 118 for eight, falling short by just nine runs. Brief scores: India Women: 127 for eight (Jhulan Goswami 23, Amita Sharma 23, Soniya Dabir 23 not out; Udeshika Prabodhani 3/16). Sri Lanka Women: 118 for eight (Chamari Atapattu 40, Shashikala Siriwardene 21).