Bangladesh women’s cricket team won against Sri Lanka in their only World Cup warm-up match on 27 September at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo. They earned the victory by just 1 run in a thrilling contest.
Bangladesh batted first after winning the toss. The start was shaky when Fargana Hoque fell for only 1. But the second wicket partnership turned the tide. Rubya Haider made 33 from 52 balls. Partner Sharmin Akter anchored the innings with 71 from 101 balls. Their stand of 90 runs gave Bangladesh control.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joti added 20. Sumaiya Akter played aggressively for 38 off 42. Later, Fahima Khatun stayed unbeaten on 26 to push the score past 240. The innings ended at 242 for 8 in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s chase faltered early. They lost four wickets for 86. Chamari Athapaththu, their biggest hope, was bowled by Marufa Akter in single digits. Fahima Khatun struck twice, dismissing Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne. Rabeya Khan also joined in, removing Harshitha Samarawickrama.
The visitors then posted a fightback. Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva added 98 runs. Dilhari scored 75 before Nishi Akter dismissed her. Nilakshika kept Sri Lanka alive with a steady knock and later found support from Piumi Wasthalake, who made 17 before falling to Nahida Akter.
Nilakshika was also removed by Nahida in the 49th over after scoring 75. Sri Lanka now needed 11 runs from 8 balls with two wickets left. They could manage only 9.
The final over summed up the drama. Sri Lanka required 10 runs, but Bangladesh bowled them out for 241. Bangladesh clinched the match by a single run, sealing a thrilling warm-up win before the World Cup.
