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Mithali Raj, Pujare Seema shine

Dubai: Riding on a blistering century (109) by skipper Mithali Raj and a five-wicket haul by off-spinner Pujare Seema, India thumped Bangladesh by 182 runs in the women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka on Friday.

Mithali was mainly instrumental in resurrecting the Indian innings after her team was reduced to 48 for two.

Chanceless knock

She carried on till the end to take it to 250 for three after electing to bat. Mithali’s chanceless knock came off 92 balls and included 15 fours and a six.

Giving her support at the other end was opener Jaya Sharma (72, 118b, 8x4) and the duo put on 110 runs for the third wicket in 20 overs to put India back on track.

Later, Mithali and Purnima Rau (27 off 35 balls) added 92 runs in a little over 12 overs for the unbeaten fourth wicket.

Chasing 251 for a win, debutant Bangladesh was bowled out for a paltry 68 in 30.2 overs. Only Irin Sultana (19) and Shathira Jakir (12) reached double figures.

Off-spinner Seema was the pick of the India bowlers with five for 17, while Jhulan Goswami claimed four for 18.

In another match, Dedunu Silva hit a cautious half-century to script an easy 96-run victory for Sri Lanka over Pakistan.

The scores:

India 250 for three in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 109 n.o., Jaya Sharma 72) bt Bangladesh 68 in 30.2 overs (Pujare Seema five for 17, Jhulan Goswami four for 18).

Sri Lanka 225 for five in 50 overs (Dedunu Silva 76) bt Pakistan 129 for eight in 50 overs. — PTI

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