The experienced Deepti Sharma shone with the bat after her exploits with the ball, coming to the Indian women’s team’s rescue in a tricky chase for a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI here on Friday.

In the company of Pooja Vastrakar (21 not out), Deepti (22 not out) guided the team home in 38 overs after being set an easy target of 172, in Harmanpreet Kaur’s first match as full-time ODI captain. Cruising at 123 for three, India nearly made heavy weather of what seemed a comfortable run-chase after Harmanpreet departed for a well-made 44, slipping to 138 for six.