India scored a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International women’s match at the ACA-VDCA stadium here on Sunday.
The Indian bowlers kept Sri Lanka on a tight leash, keeping the visitors, who opted to bat, to just 76 runs.
Gouhar Sultana picked up four wickets with her left-arm spin.
However, India’s chase of the small target was not as breezy as expected, with the Sri Lankans bowling tightly and fielding excellently.
India captain Mithali Raj (34 not out, 59b, 6x4) and Anagha Deshpande (23, 2x4) added 43 for the third wicket after having lost openers Karuna Jain (6) and Smriti Mandhana (13) for 25 runs.
It was a fine debut for left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who claimed two wickets. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
The scores: Sri Lanka 76 in 39.3 overs (Gouhar Sultana four for four) lost to India 80 for three in 32.3 overs (Mithali Raj 34 n.o.). — Special Correspondent
