Navi Mumbai, October 20, 2025 - In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Sri Lanka edged out Bangladesh by a narrow margin of 7 runs, thanks to a stellar performance by their captain, Chamari Athapaththu. The match, held at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, saw fortunes fluctuate dramatically, ultimately ending with a nail-biting finish in favor of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss, but faced an early setback. However, a solid partnership between Athapaththu and Hasini Perera steadied the innings. Perera top-scored with a valiant 85 off 99 balls, including 13 fours and a six, while Athapaththu contributed a crucial 46 off 43 deliveries. During her innings, Athapaththu also achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to reach 4,000 ODI runs. Nilakshika Silva added a valuable 37, but Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 202 in 48.4 overs.
Bangladesh's chase began poorly, slumping to 44/3. Sharmin Akhter (64*) and captain Nigar Sultana Joty (77) then rebuilt the innings with an 82-run partnership, putting Bangladesh in a strong position. With just 27 runs needed from the final five overs and Sultana well-set, Bangladesh appeared to be cruising towards victory.
However, Sri Lanka's bowlers had other plans. They held their nerve, tightening the screws on the scoring rate. The game took a dramatic turn in the final over when Bangladesh needed eight runs to win with five wickets in hand. Athapaththu took the ball and delivered a match-winning performance, claiming three wickets in the first four balls of the over and conceding only one run. Bangladesh lost four wickets in the space of four balls, falling agonizingly short of the target and finishing on 195/9.
Athapaththu finished with figures of 4/42, emerging as the standout performer with the ball. Sugandika Kumari (2/29) and Udeshika Prabodhani (1/29) also provided crucial support.
The win keeps Sri Lanka's semi-final hopes alive, while the defeat eliminates Bangladesh from the tournament. Three teams - Australia, South Africa, and England - have already secured their places in the semi-finals. Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are now vying for the remaining spot. Sri Lanka will next face Pakistan on October 24, while Bangladesh will play their final group game against India on October 26.
