[CRK] Sri Lanka Women Level Series with Comfortable Win Over Bangladesh in 2nd ODI

[CRK]

Sri Lanka Women Level Series with Comfortable Win Over Bangladesh

In a dominant display of disciplined cricket, Sri Lanka Women leveled the three-match ODI series at 1-1 with a convincing 4-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the second ODI. Chasing 166 for the win, Sri Lanka reached the target with ease, finishing on 167/6 in just 38.2 overs — 70 balls to spare.

Bangladesh’s Batting Falters After Captain’s Resistance

After winning the toss and opting to bat first at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start. The opening pair of Juairiya Ferdous (2) and Sharmin Sultana (25) added just 4 runs before the first wicket fell. The collapse deepened when Sharmin Akhter Supta departed for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 4/2.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty joined Sultana and helped stabilize the innings briefly. While supporting batters like Ritu Moni (17 off 18) and Shorna Akter (16 off 22) chipped in, no one could build a substantial partnership. Joty stood tall amid the turbulence, crafting a gritty 58 off 101 balls — her innings anchored by well-placed drives and crucial rotation of strike.

Late contributions from Nahida Akter (20 off 41) and Rabeya Khan (15 off 19) pushed Bangladesh to 165 all out in 45.5 overs, a total that always looked below par on a flat surface.

Sri Lanka’s Bowling Unit Dominates

Sri Lanka’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with 3 key wickets, dismantling the top order. Malki Madushani, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera each claimed 2 scalps, effectively restricting Bangladesh’s momentum throughout the innings.

Smooth Chase Seals the Win

With 166 to chase, Sri Lanka stumbled early as Hasini Perera fell for 5 with the score at 19. But Chamari Athapaththu (40 off 39), promoting herself up the order, provided the spark needed. She shared an important 27-run stand with Imesha Dulani (8) before advancing the scoring rate with Harshitha Samarawickrama.

Took center stage in the middle overs, Athapaththu and Harshitha batted with authority, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Athapaththu fell just short of a half-century, but her aggressive knock tilted the game firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Harshitha and Hansima Seal the Deal

Hansima Karunaratne, calm under pressure, supported Harshitha with a solid 40 off 64 balls. As the target neared, both batters kept the scoreboard ticking. Karunaratne fell with the finish line in sight, but Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 50 off 76 balls, steering her side home comfortably.

For Bangladesh, Nahida Akter was the lone bright spot with figures of 4/21, showcasing her ability to challenge the batters. Sultana Khatun and Ritu Moni each picked up one wicket, but the bowling attack lacked consistent pressure.

Series Decider Looms

The stage is now set for a thrilling series decider on April 25, again in Rajshahi. With both teams evenly matched, the final ODI promises high intensity and fierce competition.

Following the ODI series, attention shifts to Sylhet, where a three-match T20I series will test both squads in the shortest format. Sri Lanka will look to build on this momentum, while Bangladesh must regroup and rediscover their form quickly.

One thing is certain: women’s cricket in South Asia continues to rise, match after match.