Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered a standout all-round performance to help her side level the ODI series against Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team with a four-wicket win in Rajshahi on Wednesday. After missing the opening match due to a finger injury, Athapaththu made an emphatic return, claiming three crucial wickets to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 165 in 45.5 overs. She struck first by dismissing Sharmin Sultana via an lbw decision that sparked visible disagreement from the batter. In her next over, she removed Sobhana Mostary, who was caught at square leg. Athapaththu’s third wicket came in the 31st over when Ritu Moni mistimed a cover drive, only for Nilakshika Silva to complete a sharp catch at mid-off. Earlier, Bangladesh suffered an early setback when Sharmin Akhter was dismissed for a duck by Malki Madara. Captain Nigar Sultana was the lone bright spot for the hosts, scoring a patient 58 off 101 balls, including four boundaries. However, she lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup and was eventually dismissed by Nimesha Meepage in the 41st over. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was well-rounded, with Madara, Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera claiming two wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with one. In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Athapaththu, who scored a brisk 40 off 39 deliveries, including eight boundaries. Her innings ended in the 17th over when she was dismissed by left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter. The dismissal led to a brief on-field moment, as Nahida gave Athapaththu a send-off, prompting a prolonged stare from the Sri Lankan captain before she walked off. The chase was then stabilized by a crucial 79-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne for the fourth wicket. Samarawickrama scored 50 off 76 balls, while Karunaratne contributed 40 off 64 deliveries, both hitting multiple boundaries to guide Sri Lanka close to the target. Nahida Akhter continued to impress with the ball, dismissing both set batters and later removing Kaushini Nuthyangana to finish with a four-wicket haul. Sultana Khatun and Ritu Moni picked up one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from reaching the target. With the series now level, the decider of the three-match ODI series is set to be played in Rajshahi on April 25.

Sharmin Akhter starred with a brilliant 86 as Bangladesh secured a historic three-wicket win over Sri Lanka women's national cricket team in the first Women’s ODI, registering their maiden victory against the island side. The match, held in Rajshahi, also marked the venue’s debut as an international host. Chasing 206, Bangladesh appeared in full control before a dramatic late collapse nearly derailed their effort. With just seven runs needed, they lost four wickets for a single run, triggered by Sharmin’s dismissal in the 45th over. The right-hander was stumped for 86 off 127 balls, an innings studded with 13 boundaries and her highest score against Sri Lanka. Sharmin had earlier anchored the chase through crucial partnerships, including a 78-run stand with Shorna Akter for the fourth wicket. However, Sri Lanka clawed back through offspinner Dewmi Vihanga, who struck twice in the 46th over, dismissing Shorna (35) and Ritu Moni in quick succession. Another setback followed when Rabeya Khan fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 200 for 7. Lower-order batters Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun then held their nerve to guide the hosts home. Sri Lanka faltered in the closing moments, with Malki Madara conceding a wide and a costly misfield that allowed the winning runs. Earlier, Bangladesh’s chase had a shaky start, losing Sharmin Sultana for a duck in the opening over. Debutant Juairiya Ferdous also fell cheaply, while captain Nigar Sultana departed with the score at 34 for 3. Sharmin then rebuilt the innings alongside Sobhana Mostary, adding 87 runs for the fourth wicket. Mostary contributed 41 before being forced to retire hurt due to severe cramps. Sri Lanka, batting first, made a strong start through stand-in captain Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani, who put on 68 for the opening stand. Ritu Moni broke the partnership and went on to remove Harshitha Samarawickrama soon after. Dulani scored a fluent 54, while Hansima Karunaratne added another 54 as the pair stitched together a 52-run stand. However, Sri Lanka lost momentum in the latter stages, with wickets falling in clusters. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Ritu Moni (3 for 36) and Nahida Akter (two wickets), ensured Sri Lanka were restricted to a manageable total. Despite the late jitters, Bangladesh held on to seal a landmark win, underlining their growing stature in women’s cricket.