India Wins Tri-Series on Mandhana Century, Rana Four-Fer

India had secured a resounding win over Sri Lanka in the final of the tri-series, and they had won by 97 runs at Colombo. This had been achieved on the back of an amazing batting effort headed by Smriti Mandhana, who had a blistering 116. The Indian side amassed an enormous 342 for 7, which gave the platform for a full-conquering game. Sneh Rana then led from the front with the ball, claiming four wickets for 38 runs, as India bowled out Sri Lanka for 245.

India's openers put on a solid base from the very beginning. Pratika Rawal and Mandhana scored 70 runs in the first wicket before Inoka Ranaweera got Rawal out in the 15th over. Mandhana, who got a fortunate reprieve while getting dropped in the 11th over, utilized the chance to its fullest. She hit 15 fours and two sixes, laying bare her skill and determination, especially against the slow bowlers. During the middle stage of the innings, she kept the run flow going with proper timing shots and suitable rotation of strike. In a single over, Mandhana slammed three successive boundaries against Athapaththu to score her 11th ODI hundred in style. She and Harleen Deol then put together a crucial 120-run stand, in the course of which the latter stayed with her in peace to make 47. Mandhana's solid innings finally came to an end as she was caught behind at backward point.

The Indian middle order continued the run, with Harleen, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues all scoring 40s. They continued the runs flowing, scoring four boundaries each, making a continuous flow of runs. Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma finished off with late runs, leading India to a massive score.

Sri Lanka's run chase began in a nervous fashion with opener Hasini Perera dismissed for a duck by Amanjot Kaur. However, Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu stayed in during the first PowerPlay and attempted to stabilize the boat. Gunaratne was unable to capitalize on his beginning, getting out after making 36. Athapaththu, and Nilakshi de Silva, also found it tough, but the rising required run rate came with pressure on them. The top-order batsmen were unable to have a scoring rate of over 100, which put pressure on them.

Since the target was far away and 190 runs were required from the last 20 overs, Sneh Rana brought back the well-established batsmen at an early stage. This twin blow removed the hopes of revival of the home team. Anushka Sanjeewani and Harshitha Samarawickrama attempted to build the innings but could score in the 20s only. With the asking rate growing, Sri Lanka lost two run-outs, and Rana sealed the match by clean-bowling Malki Madara and ending the series in style.

India's overwhelming win was spearheaded by Mandhana's century and Rana's excellent bowling. With a total well-rounded performance with bat and ball, India secured a tough-fought victory. The team's prowess in forming partnerships and keeping pressure throughout the game turned out to be the winning strategy.