Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo

Colombo, May 24: India women's national cricket team defeated South Africa women's national cricket team by 32 runs to win the Women’s ODI Tri-Series final in Colombo on Sunday.

Batting first, India posted a strong total after captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a composed century, while opener Smriti Mandhana provided a solid start at the top order.

South Africa fought back during the chase with useful contributions from the middle order, but India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings to restrict the opposition short of the target.

Indian bowlers picked up timely wickets in the final overs to seal the victory and hand the team the tri-series trophy ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The tournament, hosted in Sri Lanka, featured India, South Africa and the host nation in a round-robin format leading up to the final.

The win is being seen as a major confidence boost for the Indian side ahead of the next ICC women’s events later this year.