Indian women's cricket team beat Sri Lanka in second T20, clinch series

RANCHI: The Indian women's cricket team survived a mid-innings collapse to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second Twenty20 International for an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, here today.

After restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8 in 20 overs, the Indians endured some anxious moments before coming through in 19 overs.

The decision to bat first backfired severely on the Lankans with Ekta Bisht (3/22) and Poonam Yadav (3/17) combining to rip through the visiting line-up.

Dilani Manodara's 27 was the best that a Lankan batter could manage, followed by skipper Shashikala Siriwardene's 26- run effort.

In reply, India's in-form captain Mithali Raj was the star performer for the hosts, striking an unbeaten 51 which came off 52 balls and was studded with half a dozen fours.

However, she could not find a steady partner in the chase until Anuja Patil joined her at the crease. Patil's 33-ball 34 came handy as India overhauled the target after some hiccups.

Inoka Ranaweera was the top bowler for the Lankans, grabbing three wickets for a mere 10 runs in her four overs.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka Women: 107/8 in 20 overs ( Dilani Manodara 27, Poonam Yadav 3/17).

India Women: 108/5 in 19 overs (Mithali Raj 51 not out, Inoka Ranaweera 3/10).