Dubai [UAE], September 7 (ANI): Harshitha Samarawickrama’s steady batting helped Sri Lanka defeat Bangladesh and secure a spot in the women’s Asia Cup semifinals with a four-wicket win on Sunday.
Bangladesh started strongly, scoring six runs an over in the first five overs. However, their momentum was halted when Juairiya Ferdous fell to Sugandika Kumari for 14. Chamudi Praboda then took another wicket, dismissing Dilara Akter for 26 runs. The middle overs favored Sri Lanka as Kavisha Dilhari dismissed Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty for 4 runs.
Sobhana Mostary was Bangladesh’s top scorer, contributing 34 runs before being stumped by Praboda. Praboda finished with impressive figures of 3/21. Despite crossing 100 runs, Bangladesh struggled to maintain their scoring rate, thanks to Sri Lanka’s disciplined spin bowling in the final overs.
Chasing 115 runs, Sri Lanka faced an early setback as Marufa Akter took two quick wickets, reducing them to 8/2. The required run rate climbed above six, and more wickets fell, leaving Sri Lanka at 82/6 in 16 overs. Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva then steadied the ship, seeing through the middle overs.
In the final stages, Marufa took another wicket, but Samarawickrama fought back, hitting a six and a four in the last over to bring Sri Lanka closer to victory. She remained not out on 48 runs, leading her team to a hard-fought win with four balls remaining.
Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals after winning all their group stage matches. Bangladesh will face the United Arab Emirates next, aiming to advance further in the tournament. (ANI)