The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a gripping contest at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, where Sri Lanka Women held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 7-run victory over Bangladesh Women. What seemed like a modest total of 202 turned into a fiercely fought battle, as Bangladesh’s chase went down to the wire before Sri Lanka’s bowlers prevailed in the tense final overs.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka rode on Hasini Perera’s composed 85 and Chamari Athapaththu’s fluent 46 to post a competitive 202, despite regular breakthroughs from Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. In response, Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by a valiant 77 from captain Nigar Sultana Joty and a steady 64 from Sharmin Akhter, but a late collapse saw them fall heartbreakingly short at 195/9 in 50 overs, failing to score 9 off the final 6.
With this hard-fought win, Sri Lanka Women kept their semi-final hopes alive, while Bangladesh Women became the first team to be officially eliminated from the tournament. Sri Lanka’s Hasini Perera was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her defining knock that set up the narrow yet crucial victory.
Hasini Perera – 85 (99)
Hasini Perera produced a masterful innings under immense pressure, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings with a fluent 85 off 99 balls, including 13 fours and 1 six, at a strike rate of 85.86. Walking in after an early wicket, she steadied the innings alongside Chamari Athapaththu before taking charge of the middle overs. Her ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at key moments ensured Sri Lanka reached a fighting total. Even as wickets tumbled around her, Perera’s calm temperament and precise shot selection held the innings together. Her knock proved decisive in the context of the match, earning her a thoroughly deserved Player of the Match award.
Shorna Akter – 3/27 (10) & 19 (27)
Shorna Akter was Bangladesh’s standout performer, making her presence felt in both departments. With the ball, she delivered an exceptional spell of 10–4–27–3, displaying excellent control and maturity beyond her years. Her breakthroughs of Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani in the middle overs dented Sri Lanka’s momentum. Later, she contributed a composed 19 off 27 balls with the bat, attempting to rebuild the innings after early setbacks. Despite her all-round heroics, Bangladesh narrowly missed the target, but Shorna’s performance was one of the bright spots for her side.
Nigar Sultana Joty – 77 (98)
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with an inspiring 77 off 98 balls, hitting 6 fours and anchoring Bangladesh’s chase with poise and determination. Coming in at a tricky stage, she stitched a remarkable 82-run partnership with Sharmin Akhter, reviving Bangladesh’s hopes after early losses. Her calm approach and smart strike rotation brought the target within sight, but her dismissal in the penultimate over turned the game decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour. Despite the heartbreak, Nigar’s innings embodied resilience, class, and leadership.
Chamari Athapaththu – 46 (43) & 2/40 (10)
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu showcased her trademark all-round brilliance, first blazing her way to 46 off 43 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes, giving her team early momentum. Later, she returned with the ball to deliver a crucial spell of 10–0–40–2, breaking key partnerships and keeping Bangladesh in check during her final over, defending nine, where she gave just 1 run and took 3 wickets. Her tactical awareness and ability to step up in crunch moments once again underlined her value as one of the most complete players in world cricket.
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