Sri Lanka staged a strong comeback in the three-game WODI series against Bangladesh, securing a four-wicket victory in the second match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. Led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s exceptional performance, Sri Lanka avenged their previous loss with a commanding display.
Athapaththu, who missed the first match due to injury, made a triumphant return by taking 3-36 to restrict Bangladesh to 165 all out in 45.5 overs after they chose to bat first. Bangladesh’s skipper Nigar Sultana Joty top-scored with 58 runs, supported by contributions from Sharmin Sultana and Nahida Akter.
Sri Lankan bowlers Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera each grabbed two wickets to keep the pressure on Bangladesh. Despite a late surge from Nahida, who claimed 4-21, Sri Lanka managed to chase down the target, reaching 166 for six in 38.2 overs to level the series 1-1.
Opener Hasini Perera fell early, but Athapaththu’s quickfire 40 runs set the tone for the chase. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne’s partnership of 77 runs for the fourth wicket ensured Sri Lanka’s victory.
The series now stands at 1-1, with the decisive third match scheduled to take place at the same venue on Saturday.
