Sri Lanka levelled the three-match ODI series with a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second game at Rajshahi, driven by Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round impact. In the bowling innings, the Sri Lankan skipper set the tone, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs from her eight overs to keep Bangladesh to 165, even as Nigar Sultana battled for a well-made 58. Then with the bat, Athapaththu struck a quick 40 off 39 balls, laying the foundation for the chase. Sri Lanka reached the target with 70 balls remaining, helped by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s half-century.
Bangladesh struggle to gain control
Bangladesh captain won the toss and chose to bat, but the home side struggled to build sustained momentum against a disciplined Sri Lanka bowling unit. Malki Madara provided an early jolt, striking in consecutive Powerplay overs to pull Bangladesh back to 4/2. Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Sultana then tried to stabilize the innings, putting on 45 runs for the next stand, which ended up being the most productive period for Bangladesh.
After Sharmin’s dismissal, Nigar kept finding brief moments of resistance, yet Sri Lanka continued to strike at key stages to prevent any meaningful acceleration. Nahida Akter offered some late push with 20 runs, but Bangladesh were dismissed for 165 in under 46 overs. Inoka Ranaweera and Nimasha Meepage also contributed with two wickets each, while Madara was part of the wicket haul as well.
Sri Lanka chase down the target with ease
Chasing 166, Sri Lanka initially faced a few stutters, but they stayed composed and methodical as the innings progressed. Athapaththu departed after contributing more than half of Sri Lanka’s total at the time, yet the chase was kept on track by Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne, who stitched together a 77-run partnership. Their stand effectively took the contest away from Bangladesh.
Nahida Akter, who had earlier dismissed Athapaththu, then struck in successive overs to remove both established batters and narrow the margin briefly. Still, Sri Lanka had already done enough work to stay ahead of the required rate. Nahida finished with figures of 4/21, but her efforts came too late to change the outcome, as Sri Lanka comfortably sealed the win.
The series is now tied 1-1, with the final ODI set to decide the winner.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 165 all out in 45.5 overs (Nigar Sultana 58; Chamari Athapaththu 3/36) lost to Sri Lanka 166/6 in 38.2 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 50, Chamari Athapaththu 40; Nahida Akter 4/21).
