Richa's quickfire fifty goes in vain as hosts SL beat India in tri-series

All-rounder Nilakshika Silva struck a brilliant counter-attacking 56 off 33 balls as Sri Lanka beat India by three wickets in a closely fought women's ODI tri-series match at Colombo on Sunday.

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI:

It marked Sri Lanka women's first ODI win over India in seven years and their second win of the tournament - their first having come against South Africa on Friday. India beat them by nine wickets in the first game of the series.

It was India's first defeat in the competition but they remain in firm contention for the final because of their earlier dominant wins. South Africa are the other team. After being put into bat, India posted a competitive 275/9 with wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh top-scoring with an aggressive 58 off 48 deliveries. In reply, Sri Lanka appeared in trouble at 152/4 in the 33rd over before Nilakshika helped gain the momentum with a flurry of boundaries.

India's innings had begun solidly, but vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was run out for 18 in her 100th ODI. Opener Pratika Rawal, continuing her fine form in the tournament, scored 35 before being trapped lbw by Inoka Ranaweera (1/42).