Sri Lanka registered a convincing win over Bangladesh in their first game of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 played yesterday (20th July) at Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
Having won the toss, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana opted to bat first, but they were pegged back early in the contest with four wickets falling in the powerplay.
The left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani and the off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshini ripped through the Bangladesh top order, sharing two wickets each. Bangladesh was reeling at 18/4 after six overs.
Bangladesh skipper Sultana showed some resistance with a fighting knock of 48, which helped them cross the 100-run mark.
Sri Lanka lost their skipper and destructive opening batter Chamari Athapaththu early in the run chase for just 12 runs.
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However, Bangladesh bowlers couldn’t impose enough pressure after the powerplay phase as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama controlled the run chase smoothly.
The duo added 54 runs off 48 balls for the second wicket before the former was bowled soon after she registered her third half-century in T20Is.
Samarawickrama also contributed with a vital 33 runs as the hosts crossed the line quite comfortably with seven wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka will meet Malaysia in their second game of the competition on the 22nd of July at the same venue.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh – 111/8 (20) Nigar Sultana 48*, Shorna Akter 25, Inoshi Priyadharshini 2/17, Udeshika Prabodhani 2/20,
Sri Lanka – 115/3 (17.1) Vishmi Gunaratne 51, Harshitha Samarawickrama 33, Nahida Akter 3/12
Result – Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
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