Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh after a 21-run victory in the second match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Led by Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors backed up their 25-run win in the opening game at the same venue to clinch the series with one match remaining.
Bangladesh, captained by Nigar Sultana Joty, made two changes to their XI, bringing in Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun in place of Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, fielded an unchanged side.
Samarawickrama Anchors Sri Lanka’s Total
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka began cautiously with Hasini Perera and Chamari Athapaththu adding 22 runs for the opening wicket. Fariha Trisna provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Perera for 9 off 11 balls in the fifth over.
Imesha Dulani and Athapaththu then stabilised the innings with a 44-run partnership before Ritu Moni removed Dulani for 27 off 25 balls in the 11th over. The momentum shifted in the latter stages through a 61-run stand for the fourth wicket between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva.
Samarawickrama led the charge with 49 off 29 balls, falling just short of a half-century on the final ball of the innings, while Silva remained unbeaten on 22 off 18. Athapaththu contributed 42 off 37 as Sri Lanka posted 154 for 4 in their 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s wickets were shared among Sultana Khatun (1 for 21), Fariha Trisna (1 for 23), Nahida Akter (1 for 34), and Ritu Moni (1 for 40).
Dilhari Leads Spin Effort in Defence
Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start with Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter putting on 46 runs without loss in the powerplay. However, Kavisha Dilhari broke the stand by dismissing Dilara for 23 off 23 balls in the seventh over.
Bangladesh struggled to maintain the required rate thereafter. Sharmin Akhter remained unbeaten on 44 off 47 balls, while Ritu Moni added 9 not out off 5 balls in an unbroken 22-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Shorna Akter was the only other batter to reach double figures, scoring 12 off 13.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh finished on 133 for 5, falling 21 runs short of the target.
Dilhari was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 15 in her four overs. She was supported by economical spells from Sugandika Kumari (0 for 14) and Athapaththu (0 for 21), helping Sri Lanka maintain control throughout the innings.
Dilhari’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award, as Sri Lanka secured the series with one game still to play.
