Bangladesh Women’s World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end after failing to defeat Sri Lanka, despite being in control for most of the match.
After Sharmin Akhter’s strong start, captain Nigar Sultana carried the innings deep into the final over. Bangladesh needed nine runs off the last six balls, but a stunning collapse saw them lose four wickets — including Nigar — in that over, falling short by just seven runs.
In Navi Mumbai, Monday’s do-or-die clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka saw the Tigers crumble from a position of strength. Losing five wickets for just one run in the final over turned what seemed like a sure win into a devastating defeat, effectively ending Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the Women’s World Cup semifinals.
In the dramatic 49th over, Ritu Moni fell on the fourth ball, followed by Rabeya Khan taking a single off the last delivery. The final over brought heartbreak as Chamari Athapaththu bowled brilliantly, claiming wickets and sealing Bangladesh’s fate. Chasing 203, they were bowled out for 195. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, kept their semifinal dreams alive.
Sharmin Akhter laid a solid foundation with a 64-run knock, hitting one six and four boundaries before retiring hurt. She later returned to bat but couldn’t make an impact. Nigar Sultana played a true captain’s innings, scoring 77 off 98 balls with six fours, but fell in the final over trying to clear the boundary. Apart from them, no other Bangladeshi batter crossed 20 runs.
For Sri Lanka, Hasini Perera was the star performer, scoring 85 off 99 balls with one six and 13 fours. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu added 46 runs, becoming the first Sri Lankan and fourth Asian woman to cross 4,000 runs in ODIs. Athapaththu also shone with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs.
Bangladesh’s fielding, however, was disappointing. They dropped multiple catches and missed key run-out and stumping chances that could have changed the game’s course.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Sri Lanka lost Vishmi Gunaratne to Marufa Akter’s first-ball in-swinger. But Hasini and Athapaththu rebuilt with a 72-run stand. Despite a mid-innings collapse, Sri Lanka recovered through Hasini and Nilakshika Silva’s 74-run partnership before being bowled out for 202.
In the end, that total proved just enough.
Bangladesh will now play their final World Cup match against India next Sunday.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 202 in 48.4 overs (Hasini 85, Athapaththu 46; Sworna 3-27, Rabeya 2-39)
Bangladesh: 195/9 in 50 overs (Nigar 77, Sharmin 64; Athapaththu 4-42, Sugandika 2-38)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Hasini Perera
