Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Tuesday, 21 April 2026 01:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Hansima Karunaratne celebrates her half-century
Bangladesh survived a late scare in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka in Rajshahi yesterday before eventually crossing the line to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
Bangladesh were motoring just fine in pursuit of 206 following a measured knock from Player of the Match Sharmin Akhter – 86 off 127 balls (13 fours). However, when they needed just 7 runs to win with 6 overs remaining in the innings, Bangladesh stuttered to dramatically lose four quick wickets. Sri Lanka could have fancied their chances if they had at least 10 more runs to defend. However, the hosts eventually managed a nervy 3-wicket win.
Bangladesh survived a late scare in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka in Rajshahi yesterday before eventually crossing the line to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
Bangladesh were motoring just fine in pursuit of 206 following a measured knock from Player of the Match Sharmin Akhter – 86 off 127 balls (13 fours). However, when they needed just 7 runs to win with 6 overs remaining in the innings, Bangladesh stuttered to dramatically lose four quick wickets. Sri Lanka could have fancied their chances if they had at least 10 more runs to defend. However, the hosts eventually managed a nervy 3-wicket win.
Bangladesh had actually started off in poor fashion losing both openers inside the first 9 deliveries. By the end of the 9th over, skipper Nigar Sultana was also sent back to the pavilion as Sri Lanka took control of the contest. However, Sharmin joined forces with Sobhana Mostary to stem the rot and stitch a vital partnership to help Bangladesh recover again. Sharmin went on a boundary spree initially and raced to 30 off just 36 at one point. Sobhana at the other end picked out Kavisha Dilhari for four boundaries in a single over as the game completely turned on its head.
Sharmin Akhter acknowledges her half-century
Imesha Dulani batting during her innings of 52
The two batters continued to make merry and put Bangladesh on course for a win when Sobhana (41* off 56 balls, 6 fours) had to retire hurt. That didn’t deter Bangladesh as Shorna Akhter (35 off 48 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) now partnered with Sharmin to guide Bangladesh further. Sharmin slowed down considerably towards the end, but it didn’t matter since the hosts had the game in the bag. However, from 199-3, they just imploded to lose four quick wickets including that of the set batters in the space of 11 deliveries. But with just 6 runs needed, the tail managed to drag their side home in the penultimate over.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka made a start that was in contrast to the one Bangladesh made. Hasini Perera (27), leading Sri Lanka in the absence of skipper Chamari Athapaththu, and Imesha Dulani (52 off 77 balls, 6 fours) made a steady start before picking up pace. The partnership was broken only in the 14th over at 68 which was then followed by another quick wicket. But Sri Lanka were able to form another solid partnership of 52 when Dulani combined forces with Hansima Karunaratne (54 off 71 balls, 6 fours). At 160-3 Sri Lanka looked capable of topping the 250-run mark, but lost their way when six wickets fell for 45 and they ended up with below par score of 205-9.
The second match will take place at the same venue tomorrow.
Scores:
Chamari Athapaththu
Chamari recovering from hand injury
Sri Lanka missed the services of their Captain Chamari Athapaththu in the first WODI against Bangladesh played at Rajshahi due to a finger injury.
Chamari split her webbing during a practice match in Colombo, and the injury required several stitches.
She will most probably be available for the second WODI to be played at the same venue tomorrow.
In her absence Hasini Perera led Sri Lanka.
