Colombo, May 11: Indian women maintained their winning streak against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, winning their fourth successive title against the same opposition.

Riding high on Asha Rawat’s 114-ball 97, India thrashed the hosts by 177 runs in the final here today. India won the toss and elected to bat but the decision seemed to backfire with opener Jaya Sharma returning without opening her account. But thereafter everyone came to the party, scoring at will against the Sri Lankan bowlers to get 260 for the loss of seven wickets in their alloted 50 overs. Rawat and Karuna Jain added 71 runs for the second wicket, Jain contributing 68 before falling to left-arm spinner Suwini de Alwis.

Rawat was then joined by skipper Mithali Raj for a 91-run partnership for the third wicket.

Mithali’s 3000 mark

Mithali’s 66-run knock also took her past the 3000 run-mark in ODIs to become the first Indian and fifth batswoman overall to achieve feat. This was Mithali’s 88th innings in 98 games. Others to reach the milestone are Belinda Clark (Australia), Karen Rolton (Australia), Debbie Hockly (New Zealand) and Charlotte Edwards (England).

After Rawat’s dismissal three short of a well-deserved century, Rumeli Dhar came to the crease and stitched together an 82-run partnership off just 60 balls. In return, the hosts were dismissed for just 83 runs in 35.2 overs, spinners Seema Pujare and Neetu David taking three wickets each.

Cash award for team

In Mumbai, BCCI president Sharad Pawar announced a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each to the 15 members of the squad. “I congratulate the women’s team for winning the Asia Cup,” he said in a media statement.

Brief Scores: India 260 for 7 (Rawat 97, Raj 66, Dhar 50, Siriwardene 4-53) beat

Sri Lanka 83 (Seema 3-10, David 3-11) by 177 runs.