Sri Lanka Level Series With Victory in Rajshahi

Sri Lanka Women staged a clinical comeback in the second One Day International (ODI) at the Shahid Kamaruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, defeating Bangladesh Women by four wickets. This victory ensures the three-match series is level at 1-1, following Bangladesh’s initial success in the opening fixture. The deciding match is scheduled to take place at the same venue this coming Saturday.

Bangladesh Innings: Captain’s Lone Stand

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to establish momentum, eventually being dismissed for 165 runs in 45.5 overs. The home side faced an immediate crisis, losing two key wickets within the first 4.4 overs with only four runs on the board. Opener Juairiya Ferdous fell for 2, followed closely by Sharmin Akter, who was dismissed for a duck despite her impressive 86-run performance in the previous match.

Captain Nigar Sultana played a resilient innings of 58 from 101 deliveries to anchor the side. She formed several modest partnerships to steady the innings:

• Third Wicket: 45 runs with Sharmin Sultana (25).

• Fifth Wicket: 32 runs with Shorna Akter (16).

• Sixth Wicket: 24 runs with Ritu Moni (17).

• Seventh Wicket: 33 runs with Nahida Akter (20).

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu led the bowling attack effectively, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs. Support came from Inoka Ranaweera, Oshadi Ranasinghe (Nimasha), and Sachini Nisansala (Madara), who took two wickets apiece.

Sri Lanka’s Response: Stability and Victory

In pursuit of 166, Sri Lanka encountered early resistance, losing two wickets for 46 runs within the first 10.2 overs. However, the visitors maintained a steady run rate. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne shared a pivotal 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which effectively secured the chase. Samarawickrama reached her half-century (50) before departing, while Karunaratne and Athapaththu both contributed 40 runs to the total.

Despite a late surge from Bangladeshi left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who took 4 wickets for 21 runs—including three wickets in a seven-delivery burst—Sri Lanka reached the target in 38.2 overs with 70 balls to spare.

Match Summary and Performance Data

Series Context

The series now stands on a knife-edge. In the first ODI, Bangladesh had successfully defended their home turf by bowling Sri Lanka out for 205 and chasing the target with three wickets in hand and nine balls remaining. Sri Lanka’s clinical response in the second match has reset the stakes for the finale in Rajshahi.