Sri Lanka is back in style to beat Bangladesh She leveled the three-match series 1-1 with four wickets in the second Women’s ODI in Rajshahi. Returning captain Chamari Athapathu After being bowled out for 165 in 45.5 overs, Bangladesh led from the front with a superb all-round performance to take his side to a comfortable chase of 166.
The win marked a strong comeback for the visitors, who missed Athapaththu’s participation in the opening game due to injury. His return not only boosted the morale of the team but also shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Chamari Athapaththu shines with the ball as Bangladesh fall
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to build a partnership on a surface that offered help to the bowlers. Athapaththu made an immediate impact, hitting crucial shots in the middle overs to disrupt the hosts’ innings.
First he quit Sharmin Sultana with an lbw decision that led to disappointment looking prone. His next, he was removed Sobhana Mostarycaught at square leg while attempting an aggressive shot.
Athapaththu’s third wicket came thanks to a sharp catch Nilakshika Silvawho held off the middle of the job Ritu money. Bangladesh never recovered from these setbacks. captain Nigar Sultana He made a single fight scoring 58 from 101 deliveries. However, a lack of support from the rest of the batting line-up meant that Bangladesh could only manage below par.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit supported Athapaththu well Malki Madara, I finished Meepageand Inoka Ranaweera Kavisha Dilhari scored one goal.
Also READ: Sharmin Akhter runs wild in Bangladesh’s decisive win over Sri Lanka in 1st Women’s ODI
A strong partnership seals the chase for Sri Lanka
Chasing 166, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start, losing early wickets. However, Athapaththu stepped up once again, hitting an aggressive 40 off just 39 balls laced with eight boundaries. Her intent set the tone for the chase, though she fell to left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter in the 17th over.
A moment of short fielding added intensity to the contest as Nahida sent Athapaththu off, prompting stern looks from the Sri Lankan captain before she departed.
The foundation laid by Athapaththu has been strengthened with more than 79 important partnerships Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Samarawickrama anchored the innings with a 50-ball 76 while Karunaratne chipped in with a steady 40 balls.
While Nahida continued to impress with the ball, finishing with four wickets, Sri Lanka remained in control and crossed the finish line with relative ease. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will go into the final ODI with everything to play in Rajshahi on April 25.
Also READ: ICC has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
