Sri Lanka registered their first win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with a nail-biting seven-run victory over Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, keeping their hopes of qualification alive.
In a dramatic finish, Bangladesh — needing just nine runs off the final over — suffered a shocking collapse, losing four wickets in four balls as captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a stunning spell to seal victory for her side.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty (77) and Sharmin Akhter (64) had earlier laid a solid foundation in pursuit of 203, but their dismissals in the closing stages saw Bangladesh fall just short at 195 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 202 all out in 48.4 overs, largely thanks to a superb innings from Hasini Perera, who struck her maiden international half-century and top-scored with 85. Perera’s composed knock, supported by Chamari Athapaththu’s 46, helped steady the innings after early setbacks.
Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Shorna Akter (3/27) and Rabeya Khan (2/39) leading the attack. Despite a mid-innings collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose quick wickets, the lower order added crucial runs to reach the 200 mark — a total that ultimately proved decisive.
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase began cautiously after Udeshika Prabodhani struck early, removing Rubya Haider for a duck. A rebuilding effort from Sharmin and Nigar steadied the innings, but the loss of wickets at key moments — and a remarkable final over from Athapaththu — turned the game decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Match Summary – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
📍 Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, India
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Sri Lanka: 202 all out in 48.4 overs (Hasini Perera 85, Chamari Athapaththu 46; Shorna Akter 3/27, Rabeya Khan 2/39)
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Bangladesh: 195/9 in 50 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 77, Sharmin Akhter 64; Chamari Athapaththu 4/42, Sugandika Kumari 2/38)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs.
