Colombo, Oct 21: Bangladesh’s hopes of advancing in the Women’s World Cup ended in heartbreak on Monday as they fell short by just seven runs against Sri Lanka in a tense and closely-fought contest at Navi Mumbai.Despite stellar half-centuries from skipper Nigar Sultana and experienced batter Sharmin Akhter, Bangladesh could not overhaul Sri Lanka’s modest total of 203, leaving their campaign prematurely concluded, while the win keeps Sri Lanka’s faint hopes of reaching the knockouts alive.
Sri Lanka posted 202 all out in 48.4 overs, largely thanks to Hasini Perera’s brilliant 85, complemented by Chamari Athapaththu’s 46 and Nilakshika Silva’s 37.
Their innings, though punctuated by disciplined bowling from Bangladesh, managed to set a challenging target in what appeared to be a competitive, low-scoring encounter.
For Bangladesh, the young spinner Shorna Akter was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 27, while Rabeya Khan chipped in with 2 for 39.Chasing 203, Bangladesh looked well-placed for a chase in the company of Sharmin Akhter, who scored a fighting 64 before retiring hurt, and skipper Nigar Sultana, who made a composed 77.
The duo stitched together crucial partnerships, anchoring the innings and keeping Bangladesh in contention.
However, the game turned dramatically in the final overs as the lower order faltered under pressure, unable to accelerate or hold the innings together, eventually limping to 195 for 9 in 50 overs.
Chamari Athapaththu emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka with the ball as well, producing a match-winning spell of 4 for 42, including three critical wickets in the last over, ensuring Bangladesh fell agonisingly short.
Sugandika Kumari also made an impact, claiming 2 for 38, and together they stifled Bangladesh’s chase at the death.
The match was a classic display of cricketing tension, with both teams having moments of control, only for late twists to decide the outcome. While Bangladesh’s top order had delivered in runs, the inability of the tailenders to capitalise on a solid platform proved costly.
For Sri Lanka, the victory was a morale booster, keeping alive their slim chances of progressing to the knockout stages, while Bangladesh now exit the tournament, their campaign ending in disappointment.
The match will be remembered as a testament to the fine margins that define tournament cricket, where even brilliant individual performances can be undone by a few critical moments.
Bangladesh fought valiantly, with Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter leading from the front.