In a thrilling encounter at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on April 22, 2026, Bangladesh Women clinched their maiden victory over Sri Lanka Women in One Day Internationals (ODIs), winning by three wickets. This match marked a significant milestone for the Bangladesh team as they took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka Women batted first, managing to score 205 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Despite a challenging pitch that typically favors bowlers—evidenced by an average first innings total of just 190—the Sri Lankan side struggled to convert their starts into substantial scores. Their top performer was Hansima Karunaratne, who contributed 54 runs.
Bangladesh’s response was both strategic and resilient. They needed to chase down a target of 206 runs, a daunting task considering the pressure of history; prior to this match, they had faced Sri Lanka five times in WODIs but had only managed two draws against three losses. Yet, on this day, they found their rhythm.
Leading from the front was Sharmin Akhter, who scored an impressive 86 runs—her performance underscoring her role as a key player in this series. Ritu Moni also shone with the ball, taking three crucial wickets that stifled any potential partnerships from the Sri Lankan batters.
The chase was not without its moments of tension. As wickets fell—Bangladesh lost seven in total—they edged closer to victory with every run scored. Ultimately, they crossed the finish line with just three wickets remaining, sealing their win and celebrating a historic moment for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
The absence of regular captain Chamari Athapaththu due to injury was felt acutely by Sri Lanka; her leadership and experience could have made a difference on such an occasion. Nevertheless, Dewmi Vihanga matched Ritu Moni’s wicket tally with three scalps of her own but it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
This match sets up an exciting continuation of the series, with the second ODI scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue. Both teams will be keenly aware that each match holds weight not just in terms of series standings but also in building their respective legacies within women’s cricket.
As fans reflect on this exhilarating opener, it’s clear that Bangladesh has turned a corner—this win is more than just numbers; it symbolizes growth and determination. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await what comes next as these two teams continue to battle it out on the field.
