Mandhana's 79 helps India to Asian Games cricket gold

NAGOYA, SEPT 22: Smriti Mandhana's whirlwind 79 helped India crush Sri Lanka by 147 runs and win a second consecutive women's cricket gold at the Asian Games on Tuesday.

India smashed 216-3 off their 20 overs, the highest women's total in Asian Games history, with 18 fours and 13 sixes.

Richa Ghosh and Bharti Fulmali plundered 25 off the final over from the hapless Mithali Ayodhya, who did not help her cause by conceding eight wides.

Sri Lanka were never in the hunt and captain Chamari Athapaththu's 29 was their only innings of note as they were skittled for 69 in 15.4 overs and had to settle for silver.

It was her country's first gold medal of these Asian Games and opening batter Mandhana hit seven sixes and five fours in a 45-ball knock that sent the ball to all parts of the Korogi Athletic Park ground in Nagoya.

"It feels amazing. We've seen other athletes win gold on TV. But it's nice to be on the podium."

After India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bat, Shafali Verma, who made an unbeaten century in the semi-final, and Mandhana put on a blistering opening partnership.

The pair had raced to 99 in the 10th over when Verma had a rush of blood, playing a needless reverse sweep which she top-edged to Kawya Kavindi at point to fall for 48 off 29 balls.    �"AFP