NAVI MUMBAI: Sri Lanka held their nerve in a tense finish to edge out Bangladesh by seven runs in a nail-biting ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 encounter on Monday, knocking their opponents out of the tournament and keeping their own semi-final hopes alive.
Final-over magic from Athapaththu
Defending 203, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a stunning spell in the final over, restricting Bangladesh to 195/9. The skipper claimed three wickets in four balls, turning the match on its head as Bangladesh, who needed just eight runs for victory, collapsed spectacularly.
Athapaththu finished with figures of 4/42, supported by Sugandika Kumari (2/29) and Udeshika Prabodhani (1/29), ensuring Sri Lanka’s dramatic comeback after Bangladesh appeared to be cruising towards the target.
“It’s one of those wins we’ll remember for a long time. The girls showed real character,” Athapaththu said after the match.
Nigar, Sharmin shine in vain
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty fought valiantly with a fluent 77, well supported by Sharmin Akter’s unbeaten 64, as the pair shared an 82-run partnership for the fourth wicket to steady the innings after an early collapse at 44/3.
At 176/4, Bangladesh needed only 27 runs from the final five overs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws. The decisive final over from Athapaththu sealed a memorable victory, leaving Bangladesh’s campaign in tatters with their fifth defeat of the tournament.
Hasini Perera anchors Sri Lanka’s innings
Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 202, with opener Hasini Perera leading the charge with a composed 85 off 97 balls, earning her the Aramco Player of the Match award. Captain Athapaththu (46) and Nilakshika Silva (37) also chipped in, adding crucial runs in the top order.
Perera and Silva rebuilt the innings with a 74-run stand, recovering from a mid-innings wobble. However, Shorna Akter (3 wickets) spearheaded Bangladesh’s fightback as Sri Lanka lost four wickets for just 27 runs between overs 31 and 40.
Despite the late collapse, Sri Lanka’s total proved just enough, thanks to Athapaththu’s final-over brilliance.
What’s next
The result lifts Sri Lanka up the standings and keeps their semi-final hopes alive, while Bangladesh bow out of the tournament. Sri Lanka will next face Pakistan on October 24, while Bangladesh will meet India on October 26 in their final group fixture.