SL-W vs BAN-W 21st Match Highlights of ICC WWC 2025
Sri Lanka Women held their nerves in a tense finish to pull off a thrilling 7-run victory over Bangladesh Women in the 21st match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Despite a spirited chase led by captain Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short, becoming the first team to be knocked out of the tournament. So let’s have a look at SL-W vs BAN-W 21st Match Highlights.
Hasini Perera’s Grit Anchors Sri Lanka’s Total
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka got off to a cautious start as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained discipline with the new ball. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu (36) provided an early spark before falling to an attempted slog, but the innings was steadied by Hasini Perera, who played the knock of her career.
Perera’s composed 53 off 78 balls was instrumental in holding the innings together, marking her maiden ODI fifty. Along with Athapaththu, she added a vital 72-run stand for the second wicket. However, once the partnership was broken, Sri Lanka stumbled dramatically — collapsing from 173/4 to 182/8 in just three overs.
Yet, the lower order, led by Udeshika Prabodhani and Malki Madara, showcased remarkable resilience. Their gritty 20-run stand for the final wicket dragged Sri Lanka to 202 all out in 48.4 overs, ensuring the bowlers had something to defend.
Nigar Sultana Leads Bangladesh’s Fightback
In reply, Bangladesh began steadily but lost both openers early. Captain Nigar Sultana (77 off 98) and Sharmin Akhter (64 off 103) rebuilt the innings brilliantly, adding a crucial 111-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
However, momentum shifted dramatically when Sharmin retired hurt due to cramps in the 36th over. The pressure started mounting as wickets fell in quick succession, turning what seemed like a comfortable chase into a nerve-wracking finish.
Athapaththu’s Magic Seals It For Sri Lanka
Needing just 12 runs off the final 12 balls with six wickets in hand, Bangladesh appeared on course for victory. But Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a match-winning spell at the death.
Bowling the 50th over, Athapaththu picked up three wickets — including Nigar Sultana and Marufa Akter — to seal a sensational turnaround. Her figures of 4/42 in 10 overs underlined her all-round brilliance and composure under pressure.
Bangladesh’s innings closed at 195/9 in 50 overs, handing Sri Lanka a dramatic 7-run win to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Match Summary
- Sri Lanka Women: 202 all out (48.4 overs)
Hasini Perera 53, Chamari Athapaththu 36; Shorna Akter 3/37, Nahida Akter 2/31 - Bangladesh Women: 195/9 (50 overs)
Nigar Sultana 77, Sharmin Akhter 64; Chamari Athapaththu 4/42 - Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 7 runs
- Player of the Match: Hasini Perera (Sri Lanka)
- Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Captain Reactions
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka captain):
“We handled the pressure till the last over. Not our best batting effort, but we fought hard. Hasini batted beautifully, and our bowlers held their nerves brilliantly at the end.”
Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh captain):
“It’s heartbreaking. We were in control for most of the game, but we lost wickets at crucial stages. We need to learn how to handle pressure in tight finishes.”
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