As the focus shifts to the second ODI of the ongoing Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026, Bangladesh Women head into the contest with confidence after edging a tense opener and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The first game at Rajshahi was a gripping contest where Sri Lanka posted a competitive 205/9, powered by half-centuries from Imesha Dulani (52) and Hansima Karunaratne (54). Bangladesh’s chase, however, told a story of resilience and nerves, as they reached 206/7 with just nine balls to spare, sealing a three-wicket win.
Sharmin Akhter
At the heart of that historic victory was Sharmin Akhter, who composed an 86-run knock under pressure, earning her Player of the Match honours. Her innings was not just about runs but about anchoring a shaky chase after Bangladesh slipped early in the powerplay. Sharmin has played 54 ODI matches and scored 1427 runs along with 11 half-centuries. Sharmin’s ability to rotate strike, absorb pressure, and accelerate when needed makes her the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. With experience on her side and form backing her, she will once again be the batter Sri Lanka will desperately want to dismiss early.
Sobhana Mostary
Alongside her, Sobhana Mostary emerges as another crucial player to watch. In the first ODI, Mostary contributed a valuable 41 before retiring hurt, but her partnership with Sharmin Akhter stabilised the innings at a critical juncture. Her calm approach in the middle overs and ability to build partnerships make her a vital link between Bangladesh’s top and middle order. Sobhana has scored 477 runs in 27 innings with an average of 25.10, along with two half-centuries. Her best score in ODI is 66*. If she remains at the crease for longer in the second ODI, Bangladesh’s chances of posting or chasing a big total will significantly improve.
Nahida Akter
On the bowling front, Nahida Akter is expected to play a decisive role. The left-arm spinner has been one of Bangladesh’s most reliable wicket-takers in ODIs, with 77 wickets in her career and an impressive bowling average of 23.44. Her best bowling figures are 5/21. Her control in the middle overs and ability to break partnerships could prove vital against a Sri Lankan batting lineup that showed promise in the first match. Nahida’s variations and accuracy make her particularly dangerous on subcontinent pitches, where spin often dictates the tempo of the game. In the last match against Sri Lanka, she took 2/38, taking crucial wickets.
As the second ODI approaches, the spotlight firmly rests on Sharmin Akhter’s consistency, Sobhana Mostary’s stability, and Nahida Akter’s wicket-taking prowess. If these three deliver once again, Bangladesh will be well on course to seal the series. But if Sri Lanka can counter them effectively, fans can expect another thrilling encounter in what is shaping up to be a closely fought ODI series.
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