RAJSHAHI — The first ODI of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026 commenced today at the Shaheed A. H. M. Kamaruzzaman Stadium, with the visitors setting a competitive target of 206 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka displayed a resilient performance, finishing their innings at 205/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
The Sri Lankan innings was anchored by two significant half-centuries. Hansima Karunaratne was the standout performer, scoring a patient 54 off 71 balls, while Imesha Dulani contributed a crucial 52 to stabilize the middle order. Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by Ritu Moni, kept the pressure high throughout the innings. Moni was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs, while Nahida Akter chipped in with two vital scalps to prevent a late-inning surge.
In response, Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Under the heat of the Rajshahi sun, the home side found themselves reeling at 5/2 within the first two overs. Sri Lanka’s Nimasha Meepage and Malki Madara struck early, removing key openers and putting the Tigresses on the back foot immediately.
As the match progresses, the pitch at Rajshahi—known for its dry and slow nature—is expected to favor the Sri Lankan spinners, making the chase increasingly difficult for the middle order led by Captain Nigar Sultana. With a required run rate hovering around 4.14, Bangladesh will need a monumental partnership to recover from the early wickets and take a lead in this three-match ODI series.
This tour, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, serves as a critical preparation phase for both teams as they look to improve their international rankings following the 2025 World Cup cycle. All eyes are now on whether the Bangladeshi batters can navigate the spin-friendly conditions to pull off a comeback victory.
