Summary: Sanjida Islam and Nahida Akter star as Bangladesh wins over Sri Lanka – South Asian Games 2019

Summary: Sanjida Islam and Nahida Akter star as Bangladesh wins over Sri Lanka – South Asian Games 2019

Sanjida Islam’s unbeaten half-century and Nahida Akter’s 4-wicket haul made sure that Bangladesh achieves victory over Sri Lanka in the South Asian Games cricket competition.

Bangladesh locked horns with Sri Lanka in the second women’s cricket match of the South Asian Games in Nepal. The twenty20 match which took place in Pokhara Rangasala saw Bangladesh Women electing to field first after winning the toss.

Put into bat, Sri Lanka Women had a cautious start. Opener Umesha Thimashini made a decent half-century but was unfortunately run out. She hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in her 49-ball 56. Nahida Akter of Bangladesh took 4 wickets which included the precious scalps of Harshitha Madavi 33(30) and Sathya Sandeepani 12(12). Jahanara Alam bowled Kavisha Dilhari on 4, which was the last wicket of the innings. Sri Lanka made 122 runs in 20 overs losing 6 wickets.

Chasing the target of 123, Bangladesh opener Murshida Khatun was dismissed on 8 in the 2nd over itself by Thimashini. Ayasha Rahman stayed till 10 overs but a caught and bowled by Tharika Sewwandi rendered her out on 29(35). The star of the show was Sanjida Islam who steered the chase with her half-ton. She remained not out on 51(45) to see her team through. Fargana Hoque’s 23(18) also contributed to the chase. Bangladesh completed the chase successfully scoring 126 in 18.3 overs. Nisansala was the third Sri Lankan wicket-taking bowler who dismissed Nigar Sultana on 6(7).

Sri Lanka Women: 122/6 in 20 overs

Bangladesh Women: 126/3 in 18.3 overs

Result: Bangladesh Women won by 7 wickets

Player of the Match: Sanjida Islam (51* off 48)