Captain Mithali Raj led from the front with an unbeaten century as India thrashed Sri Lanka [Images] by 97 runs to retain the women's cricket Asia Cup in Karachi on Wednesday.

Mithali remained unconquered on 108 as she led India to a commanding 269 for four before the bowlers, led by Devika Palshikar (3 for 31), restricted the Lankan eves to 172 for nine in the final at the National Stadium.

The Indian women, who won the title two years ago in Sri Lanka, and their Pakistani counterparts were honoured by the presence of retired Pakistani allrounder Wasim Akram.

Pakistan was hosting an international women's match for the first time and male spectators were not allowed to watch the matches.

Mithali was overwhelmed by the victory.

"It is a fantastic win for us. Although we proved stronger than Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we were never complacent," the Indian skipper said.

Brief scores:

India: 269 for 4 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 108 not out, Jaya Sharma 62, Anjum Chopra 42, H Siriwardene 1-44)

Sri Lanka: 172 for 9 in 50 overs (P Kumarihami 58, H Siriwardene 55, D Palshikar 3-31, N David 2-17)

Result: India win by 97 runs