INDvsSL: Deepti and Veda”s performances ensure a white wash for India: Indian medium pacer Deepti Sharma who took four wickets in the second game and paved the way for an Indian victory, picked up another 6 wickets, giving away 20 runs in 9.2 overs, in the third and final encounter and ensured that India completely ‘white washed’ their opponent.
Electing to bat on winning the toss, a decision that Lankans would frown upon, post match, they never seemed to settle down.
Deepti provided the vital break-through by removing the wicket-keeper-opener, Prasadani Weerakkody (19) in the first delivery of the seventh over.
She was instrumental in removing Chamari Atapatttu (0) in the very next delivery, leaving the Lankans struggling at 33/2 in 7.2 overs.
23-year old, debutant off-spinner Preeti Bose, was unleashed on the Lankans by thr Indian skipper, Mithali Raj. Bose responded and soon had Yasoda Mendis (15), the other opener, caught by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, reducing the Lankans to 41 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 10.4 overs.
In another span of 21 runs in 8.3 overs, Deepti accounted for Oshadi Ranasinghe (3) and the skipper, Shashikala Siriwardene (14).
Medium pacer, Shikha Pandey why played a big role in the third and final ODI against Australia in Hobart, late last month, picked up the wickets of Hansima Karunaratne (17) and Eshani Lokusuriyage (7). Bose struck again and accounted for the top scorer, Dilani Mandodara (23).
Bose ended her debut match with an impressive analysis of 8-4-8-2.
Deepti rubbed out the tail-enders, Udeshikha Prabhodani (5) and Sugandika Kumari (0).
Lankans were all out for 112 runs in 38.2 overs, while Deepti ended with an awesome analysis of 9.2-1-20-6.
Chasing 113 runs for a win, Indian eves had an early hiccup, losing both the openers, Poonam Raut (0) and the team’s batting mainstay, Smriti Mandhana (6), who was unfortunately run out.
Thereafter Veda Krishnamurthi and Deepti Sharma got together for a third wicket partnership that produced 70 runs in 18.1 overs and took India within striking distance of victory.
Deepti departed at the team score of 88/3 in the 26th over after notching up a very useful 28 runs off 59 deliveries with 5 fours. Veda completed her third ODI half-century and went on to remain unbeaten on 61* runs made off 90 deliveries with 8 fours. She also made sure that India romped home in the 30th over, losing just three wickets and 123 deliveries to spare. This was one of the biggest victories registered by the Indians.
For her exemplary performance with the ball and also contributing with the bat, Deepti Sharma was awarded the Player of the Match.
Ending the series on a high with a 3-0 victory, the Indian eves would be looking forward to their upcoming assignments on a very positive note.
