From Yangon to Dazhu to Colombo, the red-and-green flag soared high thanks to the women’s footballers’ historic qualification, a dramatic series-levelling win in men’s ODI cricket, and dominant performances by both the boys’ and girls’ under-18 hockey teams.
Football: Tigresses book historic Asian Cup spot
Bangladesh’s women’s football team made history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time, rounding off their Group C campaign with a resounding 7–0 win over Turkmenistan in Yangon. Already assured of qualification after wins over Bahrain and hosts Myanmar, Peter Butler’s side showed no mercy in their final group match. Goals from Swapna Rani, Shamsunnahar Jr (brace), Monika Chakma, Rituparna Chakma, and Tahura Khatun underlined Bangladesh’s dominance. The team scored 16 goals in three matches while conceding just once, signalling a remarkable transformation on the continental stage.
Cricket: Tanvir five-for seals dramatic win in second ODI
Bangladesh levelled their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a tense 16-run win, inspired by debutant spinner Tanvir Islam’s five-wicket haul. Defending a modest total of 248, Tanvir’s 5 for 39 – including key wickets of Mendis, Wellalage and Theekshana – broke the backbone of Sri Lanka’s chase. Janith Liyanage threatened with 78, but Bangladesh held their nerve as Mustafizur and Sakib finished off the tail. The victory was a strong comeback after a heavy defeat in the first ODI.
Hockey: U-18 boys thrash Sri Lanka, girls taste first-ever win
It was a double delight for Bangladesh at the U-18 Asia Cup Hockey in Dazhu, China. The boys crushed Sri Lanka 13-0, led by captain Mohammad Abdullah’s four-goal haul, maintaining their perfect record after beating Hong Kong in the opener. The girls’ team, meanwhile, earned their maiden win in the tournament with a clinical 3-0 triumph over Uzbekistan. The historic win came just a day after a tough 11-0 loss to Japan, making it a proud milestone in their debut campaign.