Sri Lanka Women delivered a composed all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women in the second ODI at Rajshahi, leveling the series 1-1. Led by a standout display from Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors combined disciplined bowling with a steady chase to seal a convincing victory.
Bangladesh Struggle to Build Momentum
Bangladesh Women endured a shaky start after early strikes reduced them to 4/2 inside five overs, with Juiariya Ferdous and Sharmin Akhter dismissed cheaply.
A rebuilding effort came through Sarmin Sultana and skipper Nigar Sultana, who added 45 runs for the third wicket. Sarmin contributed 25, while Nigar anchored the innings with a patient 58 off 101 balls.
Despite brief contributions from Shorna Akter (16) and Ritu Moni (17), Bangladesh failed to build sustained partnerships. A collapse from 87/5 to 144/7 further dented their progress.
Late resistance from Nahida Akter (20) and Rabeya Khan (15) pushed the total to 165 in 45.5 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit remained tight throughout, with Athapaththu leading the charge with figures of 3/36. Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara claimed two wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with one.
Athapaththu Sets the Tone in the Chase
Sri Lanka’s reply began cautiously, losing Hasini Perera early. However, Athapaththu shifted momentum with a fluent 40 off 39 balls, striking eight boundaries to put the chase back on track.
She shared a 27-run stand with Imesha Dulani before her dismissal at 46/2.
Samarawickrama, Karunaratne Seal the Game
The match was effectively decided by a crucial 77-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne.
Samarawickrama anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 76 balls, while Karunaratne contributed a steady 40. Their partnership guided Sri Lanka from a slightly uncertain position to the brink of victory.
Though both batters fell late, the target was within reach. Nilakshika Silva and Dilhari calmly finished the job, taking Sri Lanka to 166/6 in 38.2 overs with 70 balls to spare.
Nahida Shines Despite Bangladesh Loss
For Bangladesh, Nahida Akter was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4/21 in 7.2 overs. She consistently troubled the Sri Lankan batters and picked up key wickets, but lacked sufficient support from the rest of the bowling unit.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s balanced performance – highlighted by Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance and a match-winning middle-order partnership – ensured a comfortable chase and brought them level in the ODI series.
With the series now finely poised at 1-1, the decider promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
