In a gripping ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 group-stage clash, Sri Lanka edged past Bangladesh by just seven runs in Navi Mumbai, India, securing a hard-fought victory that kept their tournament hopes alive.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu chose to bat first, opening alongside Vishmi Gunaratne. However, Vishmi fell early without scoring, bringing Hasini Perera to the crease. The pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial 72-run stand for the second wicket, putting Sri Lanka back on track.
During the partnership, Athapaththu achieved a major career milestone — surpassing 4,000 One-Day International (ODI) runs, becoming the first Sri Lankan woman and fourth Asian woman to reach this landmark. She made 46 runs before being dismissed, while Perera top-scored with a fluent 85, her maiden ODI half-century. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 202 runs in 48.4 overs.
Bangladesh’s chase began shakily, losing three wickets for just 44 runs. A resilient 82-run partnership between Nigar Sultana (77) and Sharmin Akter (64 not out) revived their hopes. However, Athapaththu once again made her mark with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for 42 runs.
Despite Bangladesh’s late resistance, they could only reach 195 for 9 in their 50 overs, handing Sri Lanka a narrow yet vital seven-run victory.
Meanwhile, today’s World Cup fixture will see Pakistan take on South Africa at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, with play set to begin at 3:00 p.m. Sri Lanka Time.
