Indian eves thrash Sri Lanka by 9 wickets, clinch series 3-0

Lanka's decision to bat first backfired as only four batswomen reached the double-digit mark.

Ranchi: The Indian women's cricket team dished out a clinical performance to thrash Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the third and final Twenty20 International and complete a 3-0 series whitewash, here today.

Asked to bowl, the Indians first restricted Sri Lanka to a lowly 89 for nine and then overwhelmed the target in 13.5 overs, reaching 91 for the loss of just one wicket.

Sri Lanka's decision to bat first backfired as only four batswomen -- Eshani Lokusuriyage (25 not out), Chamari Atapattu (21), Ama Kanchana (17) and Nipuni Hansika (13) -- reach double-digit mark against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

Left-arm orthodox Ekta Bisht (3/17) was the pick of the Indian bowlers, while Anuja Patil (2/19) also chipped in with two wickets.

The Indians were also sharp on the field, inflicting two runs outs.

Later opening duo of Smriti Mandhana, who made run-a-ball unbeaten 43, and Vellaswamy Vanitha (34 off 25) got India's chase off to a flier, notching up 64 quick runs in just 52 balls.

After such a flying start, Vanitha's dismissal hardly bothered the Indians as Mandhana and Veda Krishnamurthy (13 not out) knocked off the remaining runs without much trouble.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka Women: 89 for nine in 20 overs (Eshani Lokusuriyage 25 not out; Ekta Bisht 3/17).

India Women: 91 for one in 13.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 43 not out, Vellaswamy Vanitha 34; Chamari Atapattu 1/19).