Sri Lanka Women delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 25 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series, successfully defending 161 for 4 as the visitors were restricted to 136 for 7.
Sri Lanka Build Through Key Partnerships
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka began steadily with Hasini Perera and Chamari Athapaththu at the top. Perera was dismissed for 7 off 13 balls at 25 for 1, but Athapaththu kept the innings moving with a brisk 32 off 30 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six, before falling at 67 for 2.
Following her departure, Imesha Dulani and Harshitha Samarawickrama took charge of the innings. Dulani contributed a fluent 55 off 40 balls, striking seven boundaries, while Samarawickrama anchored the partnership.
Their 80-run stand shifted momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour before Dulani was stumped at 147 for 3 in the 18.4 overs. Samarawickrama carried on till the end, finishing unbeaten on 61 off 35 balls, with five fours and two sixes, as Sri Lanka closed on 161 for 4.
Bangladesh Bowlers Share Wickets
Sultana Khatun was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, picking up 2 for 29, including the wickets of Perera and Athapaththu. Nahida Akter also impressed with 1 for 26, while Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, and others contributed with key breakthroughs.
Bangladesh Start Quickly but Lose Momentum
In reply, Bangladesh made a positive start through Dilara Akter, who scored 23 off 14 balls, and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 16 off 12, taking the score to 39 for 1 in just 3.4 overs.
However, Sri Lanka struck back quickly. Dilara was trapped lbw by Mithali Ayodhya, while Juairiya was stumped off Athapaththu. Sharmin Akhter managed just 1, and captain Nigar Sultana was dismissed for a duck, leaving Bangladesh at 40 for 3.
Shorna Akter Fights Lone Battle
Sobhana Mostary attempted to rebuild with 16 off 26 balls, but the required rate continued to climb. Shorna Akter then led the resistance with a determined 60 off 45 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.
Despite her effort, Bangladesh lacked support from the middle order. Wickets fell at regular intervals, including Sobhana at 83 for 5 and Rabeya Khan at 97 for 6.
Shorna’s run-out in the final over ended Bangladesh’s hopes, as they finished on 136 for 7, falling 25 runs short.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Seal the Result
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Malki Madara and Chamari Athapaththu picked up two wickets each, while Mithali Ayodhya also claimed two wickets. Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari maintained control to keep the pressure on throughout the chase.
Samarawickrama’s unbeaten half-century, supported by Dulani’s contribution and Athapaththu’s all-round effort, ensured Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series.
