Samarawickrama's Composed Knock Sends Sri Lanka Into Asia Cup Semi-Finals

Sri Lanka secured their place in the Asia Cup semi-finals with a tense four-wicket victory over Bangladesh, powered by a composed unbeaten 48 from Harshitha Samarawickrama.

Chasing a modest target of 115, Sri Lanka appeared to be in serious trouble after losing five wickets for just 44 runs. However, Samarawickrama held her nerve through a difficult middle period before producing a decisive late surge to take her side over the line.

The victory was Sri Lanka's seventh consecutive win over Bangladesh and confirmed their position at the top of Group B. As group winners, Sri Lanka will face the team finishing second in Group A in Friday's semi-final.

Praboda's career-best spell restricts Bangladesh

Bangladesh were restricted to 114 after teenage left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda produced a career-best spell of 3 for 21.

Playing only her sixth international match, the 17-year-old made a crucial impact after Bangladesh appeared to be building a competitive total. Dilara Akter had provided Bangladesh with momentum, scoring 26 from 26 balls, but Praboda broke the partnership soon after being struck for a boundary.

Sri Lanka's spinners maintained relentless pressure with clever variations and disciplined bowling. Sobhana Mostary, who top-scored with 34 from 41 balls, and Shorna Akter appeared to be steering Bangladesh towards a stronger total during a 41-run partnership.

Praboda, however, ended Bangladesh's hopes in her final over. She had Mostary stumped after deceiving her with flight before dismissing Shorna with a return catch, finishing with three wickets.

Marufa keeps Bangladesh in the contest

Bangladesh's defence began brilliantly through fast bowler Marufa Akter.

With Sri Lanka requiring less than a run a ball at the start of the chase, Bangladesh desperately needed early wickets, and Marufa delivered. She dismissed Chamari Athapaththu in the opening over before producing a superb delivery to bowl Imesha Dulani in her next over.

Her opening spell of 2 for 17 put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.

Sanjana Kavindi was then dismissed by Sultana Khatun on the final ball of the powerplay, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 44 for five in the 10th over.

Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva responded with a crucial 38-run partnership to revive the chase.

Samarawickrama takes control

Just when Bangladesh looked ready to regain control, Samarawickrama produced the innings-changing over.

Ritu Moni had bowled impressively during her first three overs, but Samarawickrama attacked her in the final over, collecting 16 runs.

An inside edge raced away to the fine-leg boundary before Samarawickrama swept Moni for six into the midwicket advertising cushions. She then charged down the pitch and launched Nahida Akter over the boundary, leaving Sri Lanka needing only two runs from the final over.

The chase was completed on the second delivery when the ball brushed the wicketkeeper's pad and trickled away, allowing Sri Lanka to seal a four-wicket victory.

Sri Lanka march into the semi-finals

Samarawickrama's unbeaten 48 off 37 balls proved decisive in a match where Sri Lanka's top order struggled against Bangladesh's disciplined attack.

What initially looked like a straightforward chase became a tense contest, but Sri Lanka's middle and lower order held their nerve when it mattered most.

With the victory, the defending champions remain unbeaten in the group and advance to the semi-finals as Group B winners, where they will meet the second-placed team from Group A on Friday.