Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the semifinals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Monday, as they suffered a narrow seven-run defeat to Sri Lanka in a tense finish at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Chasing 203 for victory, the Tigresses fell agonizingly short despite captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s valiant 77 off 98 balls and opener Sharmin Akter’s composed 64 from 103 deliveries. The pair had anchored Bangladesh’s innings beautifully, keeping the chase alive till the very end.
With nine runs needed off the final over with five wickets in hand, the match turned into a nerve-shredding thriller. Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, took the ball and immediately trapped Rabeya Khan leg-before with the first delivery. Nahida Akter came in next but was run out attempting a risky single. Joty, carrying the team’s hopes, went for a big shot over long-off—only to be caught inches inside the boundary on 77.
Marufa Akter was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving Bangladesh needing nine off two balls. Nishita Akter Nishi managed a single from the penultimate delivery, giving Sharmin the strike for the final ball. Sharmin, who came back after retiring hurt in the 36th over, swung hard but failed to connect the ball, as Bangladesh fell just seven runs short of glory.
Earlier, chasing 203, Bangladesh had a shaky start. Rubya Haider departed for a duck in the second over, and Farzana Hoque followed after scoring 24 in the 10th. The innings steadied through Sharmin and Joty, who combined grit and patience to rebuild. Sharmin later retired hurt on 64 off 102, while Joty remained unbeaten on 44 from 64 balls before the late collapse undid their efforts. Sobhana Mostary (8), Shorna Akter (19), and Ritu Moni (7) offered brief support, but the target ultimately proved just beyond reach.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had earlier put up a disciplined performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 202 in 48.4 overs. Marufa Akter set the tone with a wicket off the very first ball, removing Vishmi Gunaratne. Athapaththu countered with a brisk 46, while Hasini Perera anchored the innings with a patient 85. Nilakshika Silva added 37, but Bangladesh’s bowlers never allowed a major partnership to flourish.
Young all-rounder Shorna Akter starred with the ball, claiming 3 for 27, while leg-spinner Rabeya Khan took 2 for 39. Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, and Nishita Akter Nishi chipped in with one wicket apiece in a determined team effort.
With the defeat, Bangladesh drop to seventh on the points table with two points from six matches. The Tigresses will play their final group match against India on Sunday, hoping to end their campaign on a winning note.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
