Overview
- Sri Lanka defended 202 to beat Bangladesh by seven runs in Navi Mumbai, with Hasini Perera top-scoring on 85 and Chamari Athapaththu taking 4 for 42; Bangladesh finished 195 for 9 after Nigar Sultana’s 77 and Sharmin Akhter’s 64 retired hurt.
- Needing nine off the last over with five wickets in hand, Bangladesh lost five wickets for two runs as Athapaththu produced four dismissals in four balls, including two lbws, a run-out and a catch in the deep.
- The defeat officially eliminates Bangladesh from semi-final contention, while Sri Lanka rise to four points to keep a narrow path alive that still hinges on other results and net run rate.
- With Australia, South Africa and England already through, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan remain in contention for the final spot, and India can ensure progress by winning both remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
- Athapaththu said she was not satisfied with Sri Lanka’s batting and noted they would prepare to face Pakistan next while, in her words, waiting for a miracle.