Sri Lanka, led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu, were up against Bangladesh, led by skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, in the 10th match of the ongoing 6th edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 on 6th September 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets on 5th September to end their campaign in the league stages, topping Group A, unbeaten heading into the knockout stages.
The 21-year-old youngster Vishmi Gunaratne finally made her way into the side for Sri Lanka, replacing Kawya Kavindi. Bangladesh made a couple of changes; Sultana Khatun replaced Rabeya Khan, and the 17-year-old youngster Farjana Easmin made her international debut, replacing Shanjida Akter Meghla in the starting 11 for the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side.
The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Bangladeshi openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter got their side off to a promising start with a 31-run opening stand. Sugandika Kumari broke the stand, by sending Juairiya Ferdous (14 off 10 balls) back to the pavilion in the 5th over of the innings to provide the crucial 1st breakthrough for her side.
Another solid 41-run stand between Shorna Akter (9 off 14 balls) and Sobhana Mostary (34 off 41 balls) for the 4th wicket took them closer to the 100-run mark. Chamodi Praboda broke the stand, by sending Sobhana Mostary back to the pavilion in the 17th over of the innings to provide the much-needed 4th breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Fahima Khatun’s cameo (14 off 13 balls) towards the backend played a crucial role as Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 114/8 in their quota of 20 overs. Dilara Akter (26 off 26 balls) played her part with the bat.
The innings had 9 extras. Sugandika Kumari (4-1-22-2), skipper Chamari Athapaththu (4-0-20-1), Kavisha Dilhari (4-0-17-1) and Chamudi Praboda (4-0-21-3) were the top performers with the ball for Sri Lanka.
Chasing a tricky total of 115, Sri Lanka lost half their side, finding themselves at 44/5 in the 10th over of the run chase. Nilakshika Silva joined Harshitha Samarawickrama at the crease, and the duo stitched a much-needed 38-run stand for the 6th wicket to keep them in the run chase. Marufa Akter cleaned up Nilakshika Silva (18 off 23 balls) to provide the much-needed 6th breakthrough for Bangladesh.
Kaushani Nuthyangana (11* off 9 balls) joined Harshitha Samarawickrama (48* off 37 balls) to guide Sri Lanka over the line in a tense run chase with 4 wickets in hand and four balls to spare. Marufa Akter (4-0-21-3), Sultana Khatun (4-0-14-1) and Ritu Moni (4-0-29-1) were the top performers with the ball for Bangladesh.
Harshitha Samarawickrama was awarded the Player of the Match for her calm and composed knock under pressure, scoring (48* off 37 balls) with the bat to guide her side over the line. Sri Lanka became the 2nd team after India to secure a spot in the semi-final of the 6th edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
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