Sri Lanka registered their first victory in this year’s Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by 7 runs in a thrilling contest held in Mumbai, India.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 202 all out in 48.4 overs. Hasini Perera played a superb knock of 85 runs, recording her maiden ODI half-century, while captain Chamari Athapaththu added a crucial 46 runs — crossing the 4,000-run milestone in her ODI career.
Bangladesh made a strong chase, reaching 194 for 5 by the end of the 49th over, needing only 9 runs from the final over. But Chamari Athapaththu, who took the responsibility of bowling the last over, delivered a brilliant spell under pressure.
She took four wickets for 42 runs, dismissing Rabea Khan, Nahida Akter, Nigar Sultana (77), and Marufa Akter in the dramatic final moments to seal the win for Sri Lanka.
With this crucial victory, Sri Lanka climbed to sixth place in the World Cup points table, keeping their campaign alive and proving they’re still a force to reckon with in women’s cricket.
