Bangladesh A Women overcame a dramatic batting collapse to clinch a four-run victory over Sri Lanka A Women in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, securing two crucial points in Group B on Saturday, reports Daily Sun.
After winning the toss at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangladesh A opted to bat first. Openers Ishma Tanjim and Shamima Sultana provided a steady start, adding 48 runs. Shamima made 17 off 19 balls before falling, while Ishma scored a fluent 30 from 25 deliveries, departing with the total on 56.
The innings then lost momentum. Sarmin Sultana tried to hold things together with a fighting 29 off 27 balls, but once she was dismissed at 104, the women's A side collapsed alarmingly. The last six wickets fell for just 11 runs, and the side was bowled out for 115 with one ball remaining. Rubya Haider was the only other batter to reach double figures, scoring 11. For Sri Lanka A, Sachini Nisansala starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 14 runs.
Defending the modest total, Bangladesh A’s bowlers delivered a disciplined and spirited performance. Captain Fahima Khatun struck early, trapping Sri Lanka skipper Anushka Sanjeewani lbw for six (6). Sanjida Akter Meghla then removed opener Sanjana Kavindi for 17, and Jannatul Ferdus dismissed Hansima Karunaratne for 26 to keep the pressure on.
Despite resistance from Ama Kanchana (23) and Sachini Nisansala (20), Sri Lanka A women struggled to keep pace against the Tigresses’ tight bowling and slow scoring at the death. The Lankans finished on 111-9 in their allotted 20 overs, and Meghla was the standout performer, finishing with 3 for 20 in four overs to earn the Player of the Match award. Fahima Khatun and Lata Mondal took two wickets each, while Shorifa Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus chipped in with one apiece.
Bangladesh A will next face Thailand Women in their Group B fixture on 16 February, and the rising Bangladesh Women will aim to dethrone Thailand from the top of Group B’s table.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
