Perera's 95 Powers Sri Lanka Women to 2-1 Series Win vs Bangladesh
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hasini Perera delivered a match-defining innings of 95 runs as Sri Lanka Women sealed a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the third and final ODI at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium, Rajshahi, on Saturday, April 25. The win handed Sri Lanka a 2-1 series triumph, completing a remarkable comeback after losing the opening match.
Sri Lanka's Chase Built on Perera-Dulani Partnership
Sri Lanka's run-chase of 214 runs did not start smoothly. Captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed cheaply for just 10 runs by Marufa Akter, leaving the visitors under early pressure. However, Hasini Perera stepped up to anchor the innings with remarkable composure and skill.
Perera constructed a pivotal 108-run second-wicket partnership with Imesha Dulani, who contributed a well-crafted 56 off 79 balls. This stand effectively turned the tide of the match and placed Sri Lanka firmly in the driver's seat.
Perera herself batted with exceptional control, scoring 95 runs off 131 balls, laced with 13 boundaries. Her innings was a masterclass in pacing a run-chase — absorbing pressure early and accelerating at the right moments.
Perera Falls Just Short of Century, Sri Lanka Cross Line Comfortably
After Dulani's dismissal, Perera continued to dominate, adding a crucial 78-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who remained unbeaten on 44 runs. The pair all but sealed the contest before Perera's dramatic exit.
In a cruel twist, Perera was dismissed for 95 — caught off the bowling of Sobhana Mostary — with just nine runs required for victory. Despite missing out on a well-deserved century, her contribution was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's series-clinching win.
Hansima Karunaratne joined Harshitha to guide Sri Lanka home in 46.3 overs, completing the chase without further drama. Marufa Akter finished as Bangladesh's best bowler with two wickets, but could not break the crucial partnerships at decisive moments.
Bangladesh Post 213 But Lack Momentum in Key Phases
Bangladesh Women batted first after winning the toss and posted 213 for 8 in 50 overs — a competitive but ultimately insufficient total on this surface. Their innings was defined by a mid-innings recovery after a shaky start.
Top-scorer Sobhana Mostary was the standout batter for Bangladesh, smashing 74 runs off just 80 balls with eight fours. She stitched a critical 65-run partnership with captain Nigar Sultana, who chipped in with 40 runs, steadying the innings after early wicket losses.
However, Bangladesh failed to accelerate in the final overs, a recurring challenge for the side in this series. Ritu Moni added a useful 20 runs lower down the order to help Bangladesh cross the 200-run mark, but the total proved insufficient against a determined Sri Lanka batting unit.
Sri Lanka's Bowling Unit Restricts Bangladesh Effectively
Kavisha Dilhari was the pick of Sri Lanka's bowlers, claiming an impressive three wickets for 48 runs. Nimasha Meepage chipped in with two wickets, while Malki Madara and captain Chamari Athapaththu each took one wicket to keep Bangladesh's scoring in check throughout the innings.
Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling restricted Bangladesh from posting a match-winning total, setting up their batters for a successful chase. The team's all-round performance across the series highlights their growing depth and resilience in women's ODI cricket.
Series Result and What Comes Next
The 2-1 series victory is a significant result for Sri Lanka Women, who bounced back strongly after losing the opening ODI. It underlines the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure in away conditions — a vital quality heading into the ICC Women's Championship cycle.
Notably, this series also highlighted Bangladesh Women's continued struggle to close out matches when they have the advantage. Despite winning the first ODI, Bangladesh could not sustain the momentum — a pattern that their coaching staff will need to address urgently.
The focus for both teams now shifts to the T20I series, which is scheduled to begin on April 28 in Sylhet. Both sides will look to reset and adapt their strategies for the shorter format.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh Women 213/8 in 50 overs (Sobhana 74, Nigar 40; Dilhari 3-48) lost to Sri Lanka Women 214/3 in 46.3 overs (Perera 95, Dulani 56; Marufa 2-49) by 7 wickets.