Women’s Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka keeps semi-final dreams alive as final is dramatic Bangladesh | Cricket News
Sri Lanka claimed four wickets in four balls in the final as a remarkable turnaround clinched a seven-run victory that kept their World Cup semi-final hopes alive at the expense of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh seemed to have timed their run to 203 to perfection, needing just nine runs from the last six deliveries in Mumbai, but a collapse of epic proportions saw them stumble at the final hurdle, as their semi-final chances evaporated before their eyes.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu followed his 46 with the bat by claiming three crucial wickets and forcing a four-ball run-out in the final over, leading Sri Lanka to one of the most improbable victories and ending Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the last four.
Earlier, Hasini Perera anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with her maiden international half-century, scoring 85. Despite early setbacks – including the loss of Vishmi Gunaratne off the first ball – Perera and Athapaththu rebuilt the innings.
Perera survived two missed chances and shared a key partnership with Nilakshika Silva (37), helping Sri Lanka reach 202 before being bowled out.
Bangladesh’s chase started shaky, losing Rubya Haider for a duck. Sharmin Akhter and captain Nigar Sultana Joty stabilized the innings with a strong fourth-wicket stand.
Sharmin retired injured at 64, and Nigar continued alongside Shorna Akter, who was dropped early but added 19 before falling to Athapaththu.
With nine goals needed in the final, Bangladesh collapsed spectacularly. Rabeya Khan was trapped underweight, Nahida Akter was out, Nigar was caught in the deep for 77 and Marufa Akter was dismissed underweight – giving Sri Lanka a dramatic victory and ending Bangladesh’s semi-final hopes.
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