Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in 1st ODI

Despite a batting collapse early in the first ODI of the three-match series, the Bangladesh women's team was on course for a big win thanks to Sharmin Akter's brilliant fifty and cameos from Shorna and Sobhana. However, Sri Lanka turned the match around by taking four Bangladesh wickets for just two runs towards the end. After the drama, Bangladesh eventually won by three wickets in Rajshahi on Monday, April 20.

The chase did not start well for Bangladesh. Both openers departed within the first two overs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also fell quickly, leaving the team in trouble. Sharmin Sultana (0), Juiyaria Ferdous (5) and Nigar Sultana Joty (13) were back in the pavilion.

With the score at 34 for three, Sharmin Akter and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a formidable 87-run partnership. Sobhana scored 41 off 56 balls before retiring hurt.

Sharmin then built a 68-run stand with Shorna Akter, taking the team to the brink of victory. However, she could not see the team home. After completing her fifty, her innings ended on 86. Her remarkable 127-ball innings was decorated with 13 fours.

After that, Bangladesh lost Shorna (35), Rabeya (1) and Ritumoni (0) for just two runs. Nahida then ensured the win alongside Sultana Khatun.

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Hasini Perera won the toss and elected to bat. Two half-centuries came from their innings. Hansima Karunaratne top-scored with 54 runs, while Imesha Dulani scored 52. Kavisha Dilhari made 30, Hasini Perera 27 and Kaushani 18. No other batter reached double figures.

Ritumoni took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Nahida Akter took two. Four other bowlers took one wicket each.