Chamari Athapaththu delivered another standout performance as Sri Lanka completed a 3–0 T20I series sweep over Bangladesh with a three-run win in a rain-affected third match in Sylhet on May 2, 2026.
Sri Lanka had already secured the series with a 21-run victory in the second T20I, but the final game still held importance as both teams looked to refine combinations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The contest at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was reduced to nine overs per side due to persistent rain.
Both teams made one change, with Sanjida Akter Meghla replacing Sharmin Akhter for Bangladesh, while Rashmika Sewwandi came in for Kaushani Nuthyangana for Sri Lanka.
Athapaththu Anchors Sri Lanka’s Innings
After being put in to bat following a delay of over two hours, Sri Lanka made a brisk start, scoring 40 runs in the three-over powerplay. Imesha Dulani contributed 19 off 10 balls before Sultana Khatun dismissed her in the fourth over.
Athapaththu then carried the innings, striking five fours and a six while wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Harshitha Samarawickrama was dismissed in the fifth over by Sanjida Akter Meghla, before Sultana Khatun removed Hansima Karunaratne and Nilakshika Silva in the sixth over.
Kavisha Dilhari added late momentum with 15 off 7 balls, including two boundaries and a six, helping Sri Lanka reach 87 for 6.
Bangladesh Fall Narrowly Short
In reply, Bangladesh lost Dilara Akter early, with Athapaththu striking in the second over. Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary added 30 runs for the second wicket to keep the chase alive.
Mostary top-scored with 21, while captain Nigar Sultana made 13 off 9 balls but was unable to accelerate sufficiently. Bangladesh required 14 runs from the final over, but could only manage a single boundary, falling short at 84 for 6.
Athapaththu and Sugandika Kumari picked up two wickets each, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained control in the closing stages.
Athapaththu Named Player of the Series
Athapaththu’s all-round contributions across the series earned her the Player of the Series award. She finished as the leading run-scorer with 115 runs at a strike rate of 122.34 and an average of 38.33 in three innings. With the ball, she claimed 4 wickets at an average of 13.75 and an economy rate of 5.50, also ending as her side’s leading wicket-taker and the second-highest overall in the series.
Sri Lanka’s consistent performances ensured a comprehensive clean sweep, closing out the series with another tightly controlled display.
