“We have always seen the world’s biggest athletes winning medals at the Olympics and felt sad that we could not have that experience being professional cricketers. Then, we won the silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games [in Birmingham] and now the gold here. It feels great. It will be wonderful if cricket can be included at the Olympics,” Smriti Mandhana told mid-day after top-scoring with a 46-ball 45 (4x4, 1x6) as India posted a modest 116 for 7 in 20 overs on a slow turner of a track.

Crucial partnership

Mumbai girl Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed a crucial 42 off 40 balls (5x4) in the winning cause, ably supported her teammate off the pitch just like she did on it (they put on an invaluable 73 for the second wicket) a few moments ago. “Women’s cricket has been changing for the better and the WPL [Women’s Premier League] is a prime example of this. We are extremely proud to win this medal for our country and will be even more happy if we get a chance to win an Olympic gold medal for our nation some day,” said Rodrigues. India pacer Titas Sadhu was the star with the ball, claiming 3 for 6 as the Sri Lankans could not even get to the 100 mark (they finished on 97-8).