Bangladesh Women claimed their first ever Women’s ODI victory over Sri Lanka on Monday, edging the first match of the three-ODI series by three wickets in Rajshahi.
Chasing 206, Bangladesh were steered to 206 for seven in 48.3 overs by Sharmin Akhter, who anchored the innings with 86 off 127 balls — her highest score against Sri Lanka. The opener struck 13 boundaries and added 87 for the fourth wicket with Sobhana Mostary (41) before Mostary was stretchered off with severe cramps in the 28th over.
Bangladesh came close to a collapse late in the innings, losing four wickets for just one run with victory seven runs away after Sharmin was stumped in the 45th over. Off-spinner Dewmi Vihanga struck twice in the 46th over to take 3 for 43, and Malki Madara finished with 2 for 37. Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun scrambled the final runs in nervy fashion, with a wide and a misfield in the covers conceding the winning margin.
Batting first, Sri Lanka reached 205 for nine after stand-in captain Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani put on 68 for the opening wicket. Dulani (54) and Hansima Karunaratne (54) pushed Sri Lanka toward a competitive total before Ritu Moni — taking 3 for 36 with her inswing — and Nahida (2-38) broke the innings open. Sri Lanka lost their way from 140 for two, conceding late wickets in quick succession.
Sri Lanka were led by Hasini Perera with regular captain Chamari Athapaththu sidelined by a finger injury. Rajshahi’s Shaheed Kamaruzzaman Stadium was hosting its first international match.
The second ODI of the series follows later this week.
