Chamari Powers Sri Lanka to Series-Levelling Win Against Bangladesh

Chamari Athapaththu delivered a standout all-round performance as Sri Lanka bounced back to defeat Bangladesh by four wickets in the second Women’s ODI, leveling the three-match series 1-1 at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.

Returning after missing the opening match due to injury, Athapaththu made an immediate impact with the ball, claiming 3 for 36. Her effort helped dismiss Bangladesh for 165 in 45.5 overs after the hosts chose to bat first.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with a patient 58 off 101 deliveries. Contributions from Sharmin Sultana (25) and Nahida Akter (20) added support, but the batting lineup struggled to build significant partnerships.

Sri Lanka’s bowling unit shared the workload effectively, with Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera each taking two wickets.

In the chase, Sri Lanka faced an early setback with the loss of Hasini Perera for just five runs. However, Athapaththu steadied the innings with a quick 40 off 39 balls before departing.

The momentum was then carried forward by a crucial partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne, who added 77 runs for the fourth wicket. Samarawickrama scored a composed 50, while Karunaratne contributed 40, guiding the visitors close to victory.

Despite a late surge from Nahida Akter, who finished with impressive figures of 4 for 21, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target, reaching 166 for six in 38.2 overs.

With the series now tied, both teams will head into the third match at the same venue on Saturday, setting up an exciting finale.