Bowlers star as India beat Sri Lanka in first ODI

Pallekele, July 1

The experienced Deepti Sharma worked her magic with the ball before doing her bit with the bat as India secured a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI here today.

Seasoned off-spinner Deepti (3/25) and medium-pacer Renuka Singh (3/29) starred with the ball as India bowled out Sri Lanka for 171 in 48.2 overs. Chasing the modest target, India slipped from 123/3 to 138/6 before Deepti (22 not out) and Pooja Vastrakar (21 not out) guided the team home in 38 overs.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored for India with 44 off 63 balls. Opener Shafali Verma hit 35 off 40 deliveries, while Harleen Deol chipped in with 34 0ff 40 balls.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka: 171 all out in 48.2 overs (Nilakshi 43, Hasini 37; Deepti 3/25, Renuka 3/29); India: 176/6 in 38 overs (Harmanpreet 44, Shafali 35, Harleen 34, Deepti 22 not out; Inoka 4/39).