Sri Lanka Women held their nerve in a tense Group B contest at Women’s Asia Cup 2026 against Bangladesh Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing a four-wicket victory with four balls to spare. After opting to upbowl first, Sri Lanka restricted Bangladesh to 114/8 in their 20 overs before chasing down the target at 115/6 in 19.2 overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama produced the defining performance of the match, scoring a composed 48 to earn the Player of the Match award.

Bangladesh post 114/8 after losing regular wickets

Bangladesh struggled to build sustained momentum after being asked to bat first. Juairiya Ferdous provided an early spark with 14 off 10 balls, including three boundaries, while Dilara Akter contributed 26 from 26 deliveries with four fours. Sobhana Mostary emerged as Bangladesh’s top scorer, making 34 off 41 balls. However, her innings lacked the acceleration Bangladesh needed during the middle overs. Nigar Sultana could manage only four from nine balls, while Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni added nine and one respectively.

Fahima Khatun offered a late contribution of 14 from 13 balls, but Bangladesh finished on 114/8. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout, with Chamudi Praboda leading the way with an impressive three-wicket haul. Sugandika Kumari claimed two wickets, while Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picked up one each.

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Sri Lanka stumble before Harshitha Samarawickrama steadies the chase

Sri Lanka’s chase did not get off to the smoothest of starts. Imesha Dulani struck 12 from 11 balls, but captain Athapaththu fell for just one. Sanjana Kavindi and Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne also departed after making nine each, leaving Sri Lanka needing composure in the middle overs. Samarawickrama then took control of the chase. The left-hander combined patience with timely aggression, reaching 48 from 37 deliveries while hitting four fours and two sixes. Her innings provided Sri Lanka with the stability required to remain ahead of the asking rate.

Nilakshi de Silva supported her with an important 18 off 23 balls, while Kaushani Nuthyangana chipped in with 11 from nine deliveries. Although Bangladesh continued to take wickets, Sri Lanka’s lower-order batters ensured the chase did not slip away.

Marufa Akter was Bangladesh’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 21 runs from her four overs. Sultana Khatun and Ritu Moni also took a wicket apiece, keeping Bangladesh in the contest until the closing stages. However, Sri Lanka eventually reached 115/6 in 19.2 overs to complete a four-wicket victory. The result underlined the value of Samarawickrama’s innings, which proved crucial in a chase where wickets fell at regular intervals.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.