Sri Lanka Women snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

In a thrilling finish, an overly cautious Bangladesh would lose four wickets in the final over to fail at the death.

Chasing 202, they were in trouble early. Opener Runya Haider fell in the first over, Fargana HHoque was the victi of a disastrous run out and when Sobhana Mostary holed out at deep mid-wicket, Bangladesh werewaning at 44/3.

But they bounced back with Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana combining for 82 runs. Following Akhter's departure, Shorna Akter took them to the brink, just 27 runs needed from 25 ball with six wickets in hand

The equation then got down to 12 off 12, and the wheels came off the chase. A penultimate over from Sugandika Kumari went for just three runs and a wicket. Chamari Athapaththu's incredible final over began with an LBW, then a direct hit resulted in a runout, then she picked up two more wickets in succession to seal the game. Earlier, Bangladesh struck gold with the first ball of the match. Seamer Marufa Akter trapped Vishmi Gunaratne in front but had to wait for the review to get her wicket.

Under pressure, captain Chamari Athapaththu combined with Hasini Perera to steady the ship. The pair put on 72 runs at a good run rate to wrestle back the initiative. However, the fall of Athapaththu for a brisk 46 off 43 started a mini collapse for Sri Lanka. They lost two more wickets for the next 28 runs and Bangladesh were back in charge with the score 100/4.

Now it was Perera's turn to lead. With chaos around her, she stayed at the crease until a willing partner came along. Nilakshika Silva stuck around with Perera to once again resurrect the innings. They put on 74 off 75 before Shorna Akter dismissed Silva for 37 (38).

From there, Sri Lanka collapsed quickly for 202. Perera's 85 from 99 was the highlight of the innings and her highest score in the format.

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