Bangladesh ‘A’ kicked off their Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup campaign with a tense 4-run win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Bangkok.
Defending 115, Bangladesh held their nerve in the final over as Sri Lanka needed 11 runs to seal victory. Captain Fahima Khatun took responsibility with the ball and conceded just eight runs without allowing a boundary, sealing a dramatic win.
Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 115 after opting to bat first. Ishma Tanjim set the tone with a boundary off the first ball of the match, while Shamima Sultana added 17 off 19 balls. Bangladesh collected 48 runs in the power play but struggled to maintain momentum afterwards.
Ishma scored 30 from 25 deliveries before departing, and Sharmin Akhter contributed 29 off 27 balls. However, a late collapse saw Bangladesh lose their last six wickets for just 11 runs.
In reply, Fahima struck early by removing Sri Lankan captain Anushka Sanjeewani in the third over. Meghla bowled Sanjana Kavindi for 17, while Hansima Karunaratne tried to anchor the chase. She was dismissed for 26 by Jannatul Ferdous Sumana, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 65 for 5.
Sanchini Nissansala, who had earlier claimed four wickets, mounted resistance with the bat alongside Ama Kanchana. Meghla turned the match around by dismissing Kanchana (23) and Malsha Shehani off the final two balls of her spell.
With 11 needed in the last over, Fahima’s composed bowling under pressure denied Sri Lanka any boundary opportunity, handing Bangladesh a thrilling opening victory.
Bangladesh will face Thailand in their next match on Monday.