The fourth match in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 delivered a gripping contest in Bangkok, as Bangladesh A Women edged past Sri Lanka A Women in a low-scoring thriller that went right down to the final over. In a game defined by disciplined bowling, crucial middle-order partnerships, and late drama, Bangladesh A Women held their nerve to seal a narrow 4-run victory, successfully defending 115 in this high-intensity T20 clash.
After being put under early pressure, Bangladesh A Women’s innings never quite found a prolonged rhythm, but they stitched together important contributions throughout their 19.5 overs. The innings began on a positive note with Ishma Tanjim showing intent at the top. She struck 30 off 25 balls, including four boundaries, before being caught by Sandeepani off Malsha Shehani at 48 in the 8.5th over. However, Bangladesh had already suffered their first setback earlier when skipper Shamima Sultana was run out for 17 off 19 balls at 48/1 in 5.5 overs, following a sharp piece of fielding involving Shehani and Sanjeewani.
Sarmin Sultana played a steady hand in the middle, compiling 29 off 27 deliveries with three fours. She shared key stands that kept Bangladesh afloat, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Rubya Haider added 11 off 20 balls before becoming Nimantika’s catch off Sandeepani at 75/3 in 13.1 overs. Taj Nehar fell soon after for 1, leaving Bangladesh at 81/4 in 13.5 overs. When Sarmin was dismissed at 104/5 in 16.5 overs, caught by Karunaratne off Nimantika, the innings was delicately poised.
The late overs saw a collapse as Lata Mondal (0), Fahima Khatun (8), Farjana Easmin (5), Jannatul Ferdus (0), and Shorifa Khatun (3) departed in quick succession. From 104/4, Bangladesh slipped to 111/9 and eventually 115 all out in 19.5 overs, with Sanjida Akter Meghla remaining unbeaten on 2. Extras contributed 9 runs. Sri Lanka A’s bowling unit was impressive, led by Sachini Nisansala’s outstanding spell of 4 for 14 in 4 overs at an economy of 3.50. Sathya Sandeepani and Malsha Shehani picked up two wickets each, while Yasanthi Nimantika chipped in with one.
Chasing 116, Sri Lanka A Women started briskly but were jolted early when Anushka Sanjeewani was trapped lbw by Fahima Khatun for 6 at 15/1 in 2.2 overs. Sanjana Kavindi counterattacked with 17 off 16 balls before she was bowled by Sanjida Akter Meghla at 25/2 in 3.6 overs. A steady 27-run partnership between Hansima Karunaratne (26 off 31) and Sathya Sandeepani (7 off 9) attempted to stabilise the innings, but wickets once again stalled momentum. From 52/2 in 8.5 overs, Sri Lanka slipped to 53/4 by 9.1 overs.
Ama Kanchana’s 23 off 30 balls and Sachini Nisansala’s brisk 20 off 18 kept the chase alive. They added valuable runs in the middle overs, taking the score past 90. However, the turning point arrived when Sanjida Akter Meghla removed both Malsha Shehani (0) and Ama Kanchana, while Lata Mondal dismissed Nisansala and later Sathya Sandeepani, finishing with 2 for 20 in 4 overs. Shorifa Khatun also struck once, and Jannatul Ferdus claimed a crucial wicket of Hansima Karunaratne.
As the equation tightened in the final over, Sri Lanka needed a late flourish but could only reach 111/9 in their 20 overs. Sanjida Akter Meghla stood out with figures of 3 for 20 in 4 overs at an economy of 5.00, earning her the Player of the Match award. Fahima Khatun’s 2 for 24 and the disciplined spells from Lata Mondal and others ensured Bangladesh defended their modest total successfully.
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