Indian eves thrash Sri Lanka in cricket World Cup qualifier

Colombo, Feb8. Riding on half-centuries from Devika Vaidya, skipper Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma, India trounced hosts Sri Lanka by 114 runs in the opening match of the women's World Cup qualifier at the P. Sara Oval here on Tuesday.

Electing to bat after calling the toss correctly, India overcame the early loss of opener Mona Meshram (6) as Deepti (54) and Devika (89) put on 123 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a big score. Deepti, who consumed 96 deliveries, hit four boundaries and a six before being dismissed by off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshani with India comfortably placed at 132/2. Jadeja eyeing Ashwin's no.1 spot in Test ranking

Mithali (70) then joined Devika in the middle and the duo added another 49 runs before medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani halted the 19-year old Devika's 103-ball vigil, comprising 11 boundaries. The departure of Devika brought in all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, who fired a 21-ball 20 to put on 63 runs for the fourth wicket with her skipper as India found themselves at 244/4 when Kaur was dismissed.

Mithali, who faced just 62 balls and hit eight boundaries, continued on with Veda Krishnamurthy (10 not out) to add another 15 runs as India posted 259/4. In reply, the hosts could nowhere match the pace during the chase with the asking rate mounting to finish on 114/8.

India's fielding was up to the mark as the visitors accounted for three run-outs -- Hasini Perara (34), Dilani Manodara (12) and Prasadani Weerakkody (2) -- which did not help the home side's cause. Hasini was the top scorer for the Lankans while openers Chamari Atapattu (30) and Eshani Lokusuriyage (20) made some useful contributions.

For India, Ekta Bisht and Rajeshwari Gayakwad took two wickets each. India will next take on rookies Thailand at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground here on Wednesday.