Women's WC qualifiers: Indian thrash Lanka in opener

India kicked off their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign on a promising note as they crushed Sri Lanka by 114 runs in their opening Group A clash at P. Sara Oval here on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Indian opener Deepti Sharma (54) provided her side with a solid start as she not only struck a half-century, but also stitched a huge 123-run stand with Devika Vaidya, who scored blistering 89 runs.

The duo were well supported by skipper Mithali Raj who smashed an unbeaten knock of 70 runs to help India post a total of 259-4.

In reply, Lanka failed to counter India's bowling attack and were restricted to the score of 145-8 in their stipulated 50 overs.

For India, Ekta Bisht and Rajeshwari Gayakwad scalped two wickets each while Deepti Sharma also chipped in with a wicket.

The Indian eves will now take on Thailand at the same venue tomorrow.

Fifth-ranked, India have been placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Thailand.

The top three sides from Group A and Group B will progress to the Super Six stage. The top four sides from the Super Six stage will complete the eight-team line-up for the ICC Women's World Cup 2017. Top two sides will battle it out for the title in the final on February 21.