Mumbai, Feb 6 (IANS): Hosts India were knocked out of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's World Cup as they suffered a shocking 138-run defeat against Sri Lanka in a must win Group A match at the Brabourne Stadium here Tuesday.
Chasing a stiff target of 283, the Indian eves were bowled out for 144 in an embarrassing way in 42.2 overs.
For India, it was their first defeat against the neighbours in 18 matches. India have won the last 16 encounters and there was no result in one.
India made a poor start from which they could never recover. They were lost three wickets, Poonam Raut (5), skipper Mithali Raj (20) and last match centurion Harmanpreet Kaur for 38 runs by the 13th over.
India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the middle-order failed to rise to the occasion. The only notable partnership was the 37-run sixth-wicket between Jhulan Goswami (22) and Reema Malhotra (38).
Malhotra emerged the top scorer with 38 off 51 balls, including two fours.
Earlier, opting to bat first, a solid show by Sri Lanka batters saw helped them post a competitive 282 for five.
Deepika Rasangika was the top scorer with 84 while Eshani Kaushalya came up with a late cameo of unbeaten 31-ball 56s.
Yashoda Mendis (55) and Shashikala Siriwardene (56) were the other contributors for Sri Lanka.
India will play Pakistan for the seventh position in Cuttack Thursday.