Bangladesh's Ritu Moni rejoices with teammates after taking a wicket against Sri Lanka during the 1st ODI match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium in Rajshahi city on Monday-bdnews24.com An impressive 86-run innings from Sharmin Akter Supta guided the Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium in the city on Monday, report agencies.
The win marked a memorable occasion as Rajshahi hosted its first-ever women's international match, with the home side sealing the moment in style.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 205-9 in their allotted 50 overs. In response, Bangladesh overcame early setbacks to chase down the target, reaching 206-7 in 48.3 overs.
Sharmin was the cornerstone of the chase, scoring a composed 86 off 127 deliveries, laced with 13 boundaries. She anchored the innings after Bangladesh lost both openers early, with Juairiya Ferdaus (5) and Sharmin Sultana (0) departing cheaply.
She found solid support in Sobhana Mostary, who contributed 41 before being forced to retire hurt. The duo added 87 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings and keeping Bangladesh firmly in the chase.
Following Mostary's departure, Sharmin held the innings together despite regular wickets falling at the other end, steering the team close to victory with a determined effort.
For Sri Lanka, Dewmi Vihanga was the standout bowler, claiming 3-43.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka made a start that was in contrast to the one Bangladesh made. Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani made a steady start before picking up pace. The partnership was broken only in the 14th over which was then followed by another quick wicket. But Sri Lanka were able to form another solid partnership when Dulani combined forces with Hansima Karunaratne.
The duo added 56 for the third wicket and even after Dulani's departure for 52, the island nation set themselves up for a big finish at 160/3 after 37 overs. But a terrific combined effort at the end saw Bangladesh claw back into the contest as they kept striking regularly, denying Sri Lanka any momentum whatsoever. Only 34 runs as a result were scored in the final 10 overs which eventually had a huge say on the final outcome.
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Ritu Moni was the pick, finishing with figures of 3-36.
Bangladesh now lead the three-match series 1-0.
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