Sri Lanka Women produced a composed and clinical run chase to outplay Bangladesh Women in the 2nd ODI at Rajshahi, showcasing a well-rounded performance that blended disciplined bowling with a steady batting effort. The match unfolded as a story of rebuilding, key middle-order contributions, and a chase anchored by calm partnerships that ensured Sri Lanka crossed the line with authority.
Bangladesh Women’s innings never quite found sustained momentum despite a promising middle phase. The early breakthrough came quickly when Juiariya Ferdous was dismissed for 2 at 4/1 in 2.4 overs, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Sharmin Akhter followed soon after for a duck, leaving Bangladesh at 4/2 in 4.4 overs. From there, a rebuilding partnership between Sarmin Sultana and captain Nigar Sultana steadied the innings. The duo added 45 runs for the third wicket, with Sarmin contributing 25 off 39 balls before falling at 49/3 in the 15.3 over.
Nigar Sultana then took on the responsibility of anchoring the innings, crafting a patient 58 off 101 deliveries. She found brief support from Sobhana Mostary (5), but her dismissal at 55/4 in 17.3 overs kept Bangladesh under pressure. The middle order showed flashes of resistance, particularly through Shorna Akter (16 off 22) and Ritu Moni (17 off 18), who added valuable runs in small partnerships. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Bangladesh slipped from 87/5 to 144/7, with Nigar’s dismissal at 144/7 in 40.5 overs marking the end of their strongest resistance.
Late contributions from Nahida Akter (20 off 41) and Rabeya Khan (15 off 19) pushed the total further, but the innings eventually folded for 165 in 45.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was collective and disciplined. Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with an impressive 3/36 in her 8 overs, while Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara picked up two wickets each, maintaining tight lines. Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with a wicket, and the overall control ensured Bangladesh never accelerated.
In response, Sri Lanka Women’s chase began cautiously but soon found rhythm through partnerships. Hasini Perera fell early for 5 at 19/1 in 5.1 overs, but Chamari Athapaththu counterattacked with intent. Her fluent 40 off 39 balls, including eight boundaries, shifted momentum and brought Sri Lanka back on track. Alongside Imesha Dulani, she added 27 runs before Dulani departed for 8 at 46/2 in 10.2 overs.
The chase was then shaped by a crucial 77-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Samarawickrama played the anchor role with a composed 50 off 76 balls, while Karunaratne supported well with a steady 40 off 64 deliveries. Their partnership took Sri Lanka from 79/3 to 156/4, effectively sealing the contest. Although Samarawickrama fell at 159/5 in 36.2 overs and Karunaratne departed shortly before at 156/4 in 34.6 overs, the hard work had already been done.
The finishing touches were calmly applied by Kavisha Dilhari (2*) and Nilakshika Silva (2*), guiding Sri Lanka to 166/6 in 38.2 overs, completing the chase with 70 balls to spare. Bangladesh’s bowlers had moments of promise, particularly Nahida Akter, who stood out with an excellent spell of 4/21 in 7.2 overs, consistently troubling the batters and picking up key wickets. Ritu Moni and Sultana Khatun managed a wicket each, while Marufa Akter bowled economically.
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