[CRK]

A Day for the History Books in Rajshahi

The Rajshahi International Stadium etched its name into the history books on Tuesday, hosting its first-ever international match. The occasion was made even more special as the Bangladesh women’s cricket team claimed a monumental three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, marking their first-ever win against the island nation in the One Day International format.

While the result will ultimately be celebrated as a resounding success, the path to victory was far from straightforward. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring brilliant individual efforts, a sudden late-game collapse, and a nail-biting finish that tested the nerves of every spectator in the stadium.

The Sri Lankan Innings: A Battle of Bowlers

Sri Lanka, playing without their talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu due to a finger injury, was led by Hasini Perera. Batting first, the visitors started promisingly. Perera and Imesha Dulani put together a solid opening partnership of 68 runs, putting the pressure firmly back on the Bangladesh bowlers.

However, the momentum shifted in the 14th over when seamer Ritu Moni, bowling from around the wicket, trapped Perera leg-before-wicket with a sharp inswinger. Moni, who proved to be the standout bowler for the hosts, struck again in her next over, dismissing Harshitha Samarawickrama with a caught-and-bowled chance. Moni finished her spell with an impressive 3 for 36, effectively dismantling the Sri Lankan middle order.

Dulani continued to anchor the innings, reaching a well-deserved 54 off 71 balls, while Hansima Karunaratne also contributed 54. Despite their resistance, the Bangladesh bowlers maintained pressure. Sultana Khatun and the part-time spin of Sobhana Mostary chipped in with crucial wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to 205 for 9.

The Chase: Sharmin Akhter’s Masterclass

Bangladesh’s chase began under a cloud of uncertainty. They lost early wickets, including opener Sarmin Sultana and debutant Juairiya Ferdous, within the first two overs. When captain Nigar Sultana departed lbw in the ninth over, the hosts were reeling at 34 for 3.

What followed was a masterclass in composure from Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary. The pair added 87 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilising the innings and putting Bangladesh back in the driving seat. Though Mostary was forced to retire hurt after suffering severe leg cramps while batting on 41, Sharmin remained the bedrock of the chase.

Sharmin’s 86, a 127-ball effort featuring 13 boundaries, stands as her highest individual score against Sri Lanka. Her partnership with Shorna Akter kept the scoreboard ticking and silenced the Sri Lankan bowling attack for long stretches of the afternoon.

Nerves and a Tense Finish

With victory in sight, the game took a dramatic turn. Requiring only seven more runs, Bangladesh suffered a sudden collapse, losing four wickets for just one run. The dismissal of Sharmin in the 45th over triggered a panic-stricken sequence where Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, and Rabeya Khan all fell in quick succession to the spin of Dewmi Vihanga and some loose shot selection.

Suddenly, what seemed like a routine stroll to the target became a high-pressure situation. Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun were tasked with guiding the team home. Sri Lanka, sensing a miracle, faltered in their final execution. A wayward delivery from Malki Madara combined with a crucial misfield in the covers allowed the pair to scramble the winning runs.

This victory serves as a testament to the growth of the Bangladesh women’s team. While the late-innings collapse will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation in the dressing room, the resilience shown by the middle order and the clinical performance of the bowlers are positive signs for the future. As cricket continues to grow in popularity within the region, wins like this in Rajshahi serve as vital milestones for the next generation of athletes.