Sri Lanka bounced again in fashion to defeat Bangladesh by 4 wickets within the second Girls’s ODI in Rajshahi, leveling the three-match collection 1-1. Returning skipper Chamari Athapaththu led from the entrance with a stellar all-round efficiency, guiding her aspect to a cushty chase of 166 after Bangladesh had been bowled out for 165 in 45.5 overs.
The win marked a powerful comeback for the guests, who had missed Athapaththu’s presence within the opening recreation attributable to damage. Her return not solely boosted the workforce’s morale but additionally shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Chamari Athapaththu shines with the ball as Bangladesh falter
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to construct partnerships on a floor that supplied help to the bowlers. Athapaththu made an instantaneous affect, hanging essential blows within the center overs to derail the hosts’ innings.
She first dismissed Sharmin Sultana by way of an lbw resolution that sparked seen frustration from the batter. In her subsequent over, she eliminated Sobhana Mostary, who was caught at sq. leg making an attempt an aggressive stroke.
Athapaththu’s third wicket got here courtesy of a pointy catch from Nilakshika Silva, who held on at mid-off to dismiss Ritu Moni. Bangladesh by no means really recovered from these setbacks. Captain Nigar Sultana fought a lone battle, scoring a affected person 58 off 101 deliveries. Nevertheless, the shortage of assist from the remainder of the batting lineup meant Bangladesh may solely put up a below-par whole.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit backed Athapaththu nicely, with Malki Madara, Nimesha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera claiming two wickets every, whereas Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with one.
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Sturdy partnerships seal the chase for Sri Lanka
Chasing 166, Sri Lanka received off to a shaky begin, shedding early wickets. Nevertheless, Athapaththu as soon as once more stepped up, enjoying an aggressive knock of 40 off simply 39 balls, laced with eight boundaries. Her intent set the tone for the chase, although she fell within the seventeenth over to left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter.
A quick on-field second added depth to the competition, as Nahida gave Athapaththu a send-off, prompting a stern stare from the Sri Lankan skipper earlier than she walked off.
The inspiration laid by Athapaththu was solidified by an important 79-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Samarawickrama anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 76 balls, whereas Karunaratne contributed a gradual 40.
Though Nahida continued to impress with the ball, ending with 4 wickets, Sri Lanka maintained management and crossed the end line with relative ease. With the collection now degree at 1-1, each groups will head into the ultimate ODI in Rajshahi on April 25 with every little thing to play for.
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This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
