Dhaka: Bangladesh Women's team needs 203 runs for their second victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 202 in 48.4 overs at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasini Perera led the charge for Sri Lanka with a 99-ball 85, featuring 13 fours and one six. Skipper and opener Chamari Athapaththu was the other notable scorer with 46, while Nilakshikha Silva added 37. Shorna Akter claimed 3-27 in 10 overs to help Bangladesh wrap up Sri Lanka's innings after the Lankan side appeared in control.
Marufa Akter gave Bangladesh a strong start by dismissing opener Vishmi Gunarate for a duck on the first ball of the innings following Sri Lanka's decision to bat first. Despite the early setback, Athapaththu and Perera played confidently to keep the runs flowing.
Rabeya Khan broke through by dismissing Athapaththu, ending a 72-run partnership and allowing Bangladesh to claw back into the contest. Bangladesh bowlers then took two more wickets in quick succession before Perera shared another crucial 74-run partnership with Nilakshikha Silva.
Shorna Akter re-entered the scene by breaking the partnership with Silva's wicket, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose their last five wickets for 28 runs. Perera showed resilience before Shorna removed her as the eighth batter of Sri Lanka.