Sri Lanka clinched a spot in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals following a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in Dubai on Sunday, September 6. This win marks their third consecutive triumph, keeping their unbeaten record intact in the tournament.
Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum during their first innings, finishing on 114/8. While Dilara Akter provided a promising start, the middle order faltered against Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Sobhana Mostary emerged as the top scorer with 34 runs, but the team was unable to accelerate, leaving them with a modest total to defend. Chamudi Prabodha led the Sri Lankan bowling effort, supported by a disciplined unit that effectively stifled the Bangladeshi batters.
The chase proved to be a tense affair as Bangladesh’s bowlers mounted a spirited defense, reducing Sri Lanka to 44/5. By the end of 17 overs, Sri Lanka required 29 runs with only four wickets remaining, placing Bangladesh in a position of strength. Harshitha Samarawickrama, who had been anchoring the innings, remained resilient despite the pressure. Marufa Akter delivered a standout spell of 3-21, but Samarawickrama successfully navigated the closing stages of the match.
The momentum shifted when Samarawickrama hit a boundary and the match’s first six in consecutive deliveries. Bangladesh faced further complications due to a slow over-rate penalty, which restricted them to only three fielders outside the 25-yard circle for the final two overs. Samarawickrama capitalized on this, striking another decisive six in the 19th over. She finished unbeaten on 48 off 37 balls, securing the winning runs in the final over via a leg-bye. Bangladesh must now treat their upcoming fixture against the UAE as a virtual quarter-final. The report also notes that surrounded by nervy Bangladesh fielders, Samarawickrama hit the winning runs in the last over, staying unbeaten on 48 off 37, the final run coming off a leg-bye amidst half-hearted lbw appeals.
Comments