Tigresses beat Lanka women in 1st ODI

Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team beat Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket team by three wickets in their first One Day International (ODI) match at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Monday.

Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka women scored 205 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs.

In reply, the Tigresses romped home making 206 runs for the loss of seven wickets when they had 15 balls to spare.

Bangladesh had an unhappy start as they lost their early two wickets for just five runs.

One-down Sharmin Akhter and second-down Nigar Sultana repaired the damage contributing together 29 runs for the third wicket partnership before Nigar Sultana (13) was trapped leg before wicket by Dewmi Vihanga when the hosts’ total was 34 for the loss of three wickets.

Sharmin Akhter played the key role to chase the victory target.

She notched up a sparkle 86. Her 127-ball knock was ornamented with 13 fours.

She was adjudged the Player of the Match for her outstanding batting performance.

After Nigar Sultana’s dismissal, Sharmin Akhter and third-down Sobhana Mostary mended the innings scoring together 87 runs before Sobhana Mostary was retired hurt when the home side’s total was 121 for the loss of three wickets.

Sobhana Mostary hit a polished 41. His 56-ball innings was belted with six fours.

After Sobhana Mostary’s departure, Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter built a worthy partnership making together 78 runs in the four-wicket stand before Sharmin Akhter was stumped out by wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana off Inoka Ranaweera when Bangladesh’s total was 199 for the loss of four wickets.

After Sharmin Akhter’s departure, Shorna Akter could not stay at the crease for a long time as she was dismissed by Dewmi Vihanga when the hosts’ score was 199 for the loss of five wickets. Shorna Akter made 35 from 48 deliveries featuring three fours and a sixer.

Later, Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun helped their side to reach the winning target.

Dewmi Vihanga grabbed three wickets instead of 43 runs, while Malki Madara bagged a pair of wickets at the cost of 37 runs.

Nimasha Meepage and Inoka Ranaweera got one wicket each conceding 31 and 34 runs respectively.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had a good start with the two openers Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani put on together 68 runs for the opening partnership before Hasini Perera was trapped leg before wicket by Ritu Moni.

Perera scored 27 from 41 balls including four fours.

One-down Harshitha Samarawickrama (2) was caught & bowled by Ritu Moni when the tourists’ total was 72 for the loss of two wickets.

Hansima Karunaratne, Imesha Dulani and Kavisha Dilhari could fight back against the superb bowling attack of Bangladeshi bowlers. Karunaranthe notched up 54, Dulani hit 52 and Dilhari knocked 30.

Ritu Moni claimed three wickets in the space of 36 runs, while Nahida Akter bagged two wickets at the cost of 38 runs.

Besides, Sobhana Mostary, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan and Sultana Khatun picked up one wicket each giving 13, 24, 31 and 40 runs respectively.