Bangladesh Under-19 women fought back after a disastrous start but fell just four runs short of Sri Lanka’s 159-run target in the final of the women’s Under-19 tri-series on Friday.
Chasing 159 for the title at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum after losing both openers for ducks. Captain Sadia Islam and Sadia Akter then led a spirited recovery, but Sri Lanka held on to win by four runs and claim the trophy.
Mymuna Naher and Achena Jannat both fell without scoring, leaving Bangladesh under early pressure. Shirina Khatun made six from seven balls, and the chase threatened to slip away before Sadia Islam and Nishita Akter Nishi steadied the innings.
Sadia Islam led the charge with 59 off 36 balls, hitting three fours and a six. Nishi also made 32 as Bangladesh worked their way back into contention. Sadia Akter added late momentum, scoring 35 from 22 balls before falling in the final over.
But the late surge was not enough to take Bangladesh across the line, with the team finishing on 154-7 from their 20 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 158-6 after being put in to bat. Opener Sanjana Kavindi top-scored with 64 from 44 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes to give her side a strong platform.
Vimoksha Balasuriya contributed 23, while Nethmi Upeksha made 22. Umayangana Peiris added an unbeaten 28 from 23 balls to help Sri Lanka finish with a competitive total.
Bangladesh shared the wickets around, with Nishita Akter Nishi, Jannatul Ferdous and Afrin Mim taking one each. Farjana Easmin also claimed a wicket.
Bangladesh’s top order left the side with too much work to do, but the response from Sadia Islam, Nishi and Sadia Akter brought the final back into the balance. The Tigresses came close to completing the chase, only for Sri Lanka to hold their nerve and secure the title by the low margin.
