An impressive 86-run innings from Sharmin Akter Supta guided Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Monday.
The win marked a memorable occasion as Rajshahi hosted its first-ever women's international match, with the home side sealing the moment in style.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 205-9 in their allotted 50 overs. In response, Bangladesh overcame early setbacks to chase down the target, reaching 206-7 in 48.3 overs.
Sharmin was the cornerstone of the chase, scoring a composed 86 off 127 deliveries, laced with 13 boundaries. She anchored the innings after Bangladesh lost both openers early, with Juairiya Ferdaus (5) and Sharmin Sultana (0) departing cheaply.
She found solid support in Sobhana Mostary, who contributed 41 before being forced to retire hurt. The duo added 87 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings and keeping Bangladesh firmly in the chase.
Following Mostary's departure, Sharmin held the innings together despite regular wickets falling at the other end, steering the team close to victory with a determined effort.
For Sri Lanka, Dewmi Vihanga was the standout bowler, claiming 3-43.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's innings was built on half-centuries from Imesha Dulani (52) and Hansima Karunaratne (54), while Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with 30 to push the total past the 200-mark.
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Ritu Moni was the pick, finishing with figures of 3-36.
Bangladesh now lead the three-match series 1-0. �"BSS
