Sri Lanka clinched a dramatic seven-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring Women’s World Cup thriller at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 20, 2025, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Captain Chamari Athapaththu turned the game with a sensational final over, claiming three wickets and conceding just one run to defend nine, as Bangladesh fell short at 195/9 chasing 202. The win propelled Sri Lanka to sixth place with four points, matching India and New Zealand but trailing on net run rate, while Bangladesh slipped to seventh, effectively ending their semifinal aspirations. This gripping encounter showcased the intensity of the tournament, with both teams fighting tooth and nail in a must-win clash.

Sri Lanka’s innings had faltered at 202 in 48.5 overs, anchored by Hasini Perera’s career-best 85 off 99 balls, including 13 fours and a six. Perera forged key partnerships with Athapaththu (46) and Nilakshika Silva (37), but Bangladesh’s Shorna Akter (3/27) triggered a collapse, dismissing Silva and Perera in quick succession. From a promising 174/4 in the 32nd over, Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 28 runs, undone by Shorna’s disciplined spin and two dropped catches that failed to cost Bangladesh earlier. Perera’s dismissal, attempting a reverse sweep, handed Bangladesh momentum, but their failure to capitalise in the chase proved decisive.

Bangladesh’s pursuit was built on a gritty 82-run fourth-wicket stand between captain Nigar Sultana (77) and Sharmin Akhter (64 retired hurt), who steadied the innings from a precarious 44/3 in the 16th over. Their cautious approach, avoiding risks while navigating humid conditions, set a platform for victory until Akhter retired hurt in the 36th over. Sultana’s resilience kept Bangladesh in contention, but Athapaththu’s final-over heroics—trapping Rabeya Khan lbw, effecting a run-out, and dismissing Sultana and Marufa Akter—sealed a heartbreaking defeat. Bangladesh’s collapse from 176/3 underscored their inability to close out tight games, a recurring challenge in their campaign.

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The match, a pivotal moment in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, highlighted Sri Lanka’s resilience and Athapaththu’s leadership under pressure, while exposing Bangladesh’s fragility in crunch moments. With the tournament heating up, Sri Lanka remains in the semifinal race, banking on net run rate improvements in upcoming matches. For Bangladesh, the loss compounds their struggle for consistency against top-tier teams, despite valiant efforts from Sultana and Akhter. As the group stage progresses, both teams will look to refine strategies, with Sri Lanka gaining confidence from this nail-biting triumph.

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