Sri Lanka Women completed a well-controlled chase in Rajshahi to secure the ODI series against Bangladesh Women, combining steady accumulation with timely acceleration in a high-scoring decider. The contest featured phases of shifting momentum, but Sri Lanka ultimately imposed their authority through strong partnerships and disciplined execution.
Bangladesh Women started cautiously but were set back early. Fargana Hoque struggled for fluency and was dismissed for 11 off 26 balls by Chamari Athapaththu, leaving the hosts at 1/28 in 8.3 overs. Sharmin Sultana attempted to rebuild alongside Shamima Akhter, but a mix-up resulted in Sharmin’s run-out for 17, reducing Bangladesh to 2/34. Shamima added 25 from 36 balls, yet Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept control, preventing any substantial stand from developing.
The innings gained some stability through captain Nigar Sultana, who anchored the middle phase. Although scoring slowly, her 40 off 90 balls helped steady the innings. She found support in Sobhana Mostary, who played a fluent knock of 74 from 80 deliveries, striking eight boundaries and rotating the strike efficiently. Their partnership lifted Bangladesh from early trouble to a competitive position, but once Nigar was dismissed at 4/134 in 38.3 overs, Sri Lanka tightened their grip.
The closing overs saw Bangladesh lose wickets in quick succession. Shorna Akter was dismissed for 3, Fahima Khatun followed with 7, while Ritu Moni contributed a brisk 20 off 16 balls to add some late momentum. Mostary fell off the final delivery of the innings, as Bangladesh finished on 213/8 in their 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was shared effectively across the attack. Kavisha Dilhari led the way with 3 for 48, while Nimasha Mepage returned figures of 2 for 40. Chamari Athapaththu and Malki Madara picked up a wicket each, and Inoka Ranaweera delivered an economical spell of 0 for 32.
Perera Anchors the Chase with Authority
In pursuit of 214, Sri Lanka Women lost Chamari Athapaththu early for 10 at 1/19 in 4.4 overs. However, a crucial partnership between Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings. The pair combined patience with controlled strokeplay, rotating the strike while capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Dulani contributed a composed 56 off 79 balls before being dismissed at 2/127 in 31.5 overs, by which time Sri Lanka had built a solid platform.
Perera, later named Player of the Match, guided the chase with a measured 95 off 131 deliveries. Her innings balanced caution with well-timed boundaries, ensuring the required rate remained under control. She was supported by Harshitha Samarawickrama, who remained unbeaten on 44 from 51 balls, as the pair took Sri Lanka closer to victory without further setbacks.
Even after Perera fell at 3/205 in 45.2 overs, the outcome was effectively decided.
Sri Lanka reached 214/3 in 46.3 overs, sealing a seven-wicket win with 21 balls remaining. Bangladesh’s bowlers found it difficult to apply sustained pressure, with Marufa Akter finishing as the most successful with 2 for 49, while Sobhana Mostary claimed 1 for 12. The result confirmed Sri Lanka Women’s series triumph and highlighted their growing consistency in the ODI format.
