The twenty-first encounter of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 sets the stage for a spirited Asian showdown as Sri Lanka Women lock horns with Bangladesh Women on October 20th at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. The contest begins at 3:00 PM (IST), promising an absorbing clash between two ambitious sides eager to revive their campaigns and regain momentum in the tournament.
Form Guide – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey has been a tale of fleeting brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and untimely interruptions. Their campaign began with promise against India, when Chamari Athapaththu’s side reduced the hosts to 124/6, only for a rain-adjusted target of 271 to prove insurmountable. The second fixture against Australia was washed out, denying them valuable rhythm, while their batting frailties resurfaced against England, where they were bundled out for 164 chasing 254.
A rain-marred encounter with New Zealand brought no result, followed by a humbling 10-wicket defeat to South Africa that exposed their struggles against quality pace and spin. The Lankans now find themselves at a crossroads — needing not just points, but performances that restore belief.
Their build-up to the tournament offered glimpses of their potential but also highlighted their inability to close tight games. A rain-affected warm-up against Pakistan provided little insight, and a heartbreaking one-run loss to Bangladesh underscored their knack for letting control slip at crucial moments.
Form Guide – Bangladesh
Bangladesh have displayed heart and discipline in abundance, even as results haven’t fully reflected their progress. Their campaign began in style with a commanding win over Pakistan as they bundled them for 129 and later chased the target with ease. Against England, they were on the verge of a famous upset, reducing the defending champions to 103/6 before Heather Knight’s composure denied them a historic victory.
Subsequent matches have tested their resolve. Despite a heavy loss to New Zealand and a narrow three-wicket defeat to South Africa after posting 232, Bangladesh have shown steady improvement in intent and confidence. Their most recent outing against Australia ended in a 10-wicket defeat, a sobering reminder of the gulf that still exists between emerging and established teams — yet Bangladesh’s progress remains unmistakable.
Their September warm-ups offered early signs of their grit. A rain-truncated fixture against South Africa curtailed preparation, but their thrilling one-run win over Sri Lanka showcased nerves of steel and tactical maturity — a result that now adds emotional weight to this World Cup rematch.
Head-to-Head:
- Total Matches – 3
- Sri Lanka Wins – 2
- Bangladesh Wins – 0
- No Result – 1
While the head-to-head record tilts in Sri Lanka’s favour, the rivalry between these two sides has often produced gripping, closely contested encounters. Their last meeting came during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in May 2023, where the hosts sealed a 2-0 ODI series win marked by disciplined bowling and decisive middle-order partnerships.
Now, as the two teams meet again on neutral soil under the Navi Mumbai sun, pride, redemption, and crucial World Cup points are all on the line. Both squads will be desperate to convert flashes of potential into a defining performance that keeps their semi-final hopes alive.
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