Bangladesh opener Sharmin Akhter reached a major milestone in her international career during the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, becoming the latest player to cross 2,000 international runs.
The 30-year-old achieved the landmark with an unbeaten 44 off 47 balls while batting at No. 3, top-scoring in Bangladesh’s chase of 155. Despite her effort, the hosts fell short by 21 runs, as Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Key Contribution in a Challenging Chase
Needing 41 runs to reach the milestone, Akhter’s innings highlighted her ability to hold the innings together under pressure. Her knock came in a difficult chase where wickets fell around her, reinforcing her role as a stabilising presence in the batting line-up.
Series Context
The white-ball series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, held from April 20 to May 2, began with a three-match ODI leg, which Sri Lanka won 2-1. Bangladesh claimed the opening ODI by three wickets, but Sri Lanka responded by winning the second match by four wickets and the decider by seven wickets.
Sri Lanka carried that form into the T20I series, winning the first match by 25 runs before sealing the series in the second game. The third T20I on May 2 in Sylhet served as the final fixture of the tour and Sri Lanka’s consistent performances ensured a 3–0 series win.
Career Overview
Sharmin Akhter made her ODI debut on November 26, 2011, against Ireland at Savar and has since scored 1,452 runs in 55 innings across 56 matches, averaging 27.39 with a strike rate of 58.26, including 11 half-centuries.
Her highest ODI score came on November 27, 2024, against Ireland at Mirpur, where she made 96 off 89 balls, helping Bangladesh post 252 for 4 and secure a 154-run victory, earning Player of the Match honours.
In T20 internationals, since her debut on August 28, 2012, against Ireland in Dublin, she has accumulated 551 runs in 29 innings from 31 matches at an average of 20.40 and a strike rate of 84.37, with two half-centuries.
Her best T20I performance came on January 18, 2026, against the USA at Mulpani, where she scored 63 off 39 balls, guiding Bangladesh to 158 for 5 and a 21-run win, again earning Player of the Match.
Experienced Presence Ahead of World Cup
As Bangladesh prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, Akhter’s milestone underlines her importance to the side. Her experience and ability to anchor innings continue to provide stability as the team builds towards the global tournament.
