In a thrilling encounter, Sri Lanka leveled the ODI series against Bangladesh, thanks to a stellar performance from Chamari Athapaththu. The match took place in Rajshahi, where Sri Lanka chased down Bangladesh’s total of 165 runs, winning by four wickets.
Athapaththu’s All-Round Performance
Chamari Athapaththu, who returned to the squad after missing the first ODI due to a finger injury, played a crucial role in both bowling and batting. She took three wickets for 36 runs, helping to restrict Bangladesh to a manageable total.
- Athapaththu dismissed Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, and Ritu Moni during her spell.
- Her key contribution in the batting department included scoring 40 runs off 39 balls.
Bangladesh’s Struggle with the Bat
Bangladesh’s innings was marked by inconsistency, with captain Nigar Sultana being the sole standout. She scored 58 runs from 101 deliveries, hitting four boundaries. However, her teammates struggled to provide significant support.
- Sharmin Akhter, Bangladesh’s top scorer from the previous ODI, fell for a duck.
- Nimesha Meepage and Inoka Ranaweera each secured two wickets for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
During the chase, Athapaththu’s innings set a positive tone for Sri Lanka. Alongside Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored 50 runs from 76 balls, the duo added 79 runs for the fourth wicket. Their partnership was crucial in maintaining momentum towards the target.
- Samarawickrama hit seven boundaries in her innings.
- Hansima Karunaratne also contributed with 40 runs off 64 balls.
Bowling Highlights
On the Bangladeshi side, left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter emerged as a key player, taking four wickets for 21 runs. She dismissed Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and Karunaratne, playing a vital role in attempting to derail the Sri Lankan chase.
Looking Ahead
The third and final ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is scheduled for April 25 in Rajshahi. The series is crucial for both teams as they vie for dominance in women’s ODI cricket.
