Samarawickrama and Dulani Power Sri Lanka to 25-Run Win Over Bangladesh in T20I Series Opener

Key facts

• Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the first T20I at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
• Harshitha Samarawickrama scored 61 off 35 balls for Sri Lanka.
• Imesha Dulani made 55 from 40 deliveries.
• Shorna Akter hit 60 off 45 balls, her maiden WT20I half-century, for Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh finished at 136/7 in 20 overs, chasing 162.
• Chamari Athapaththu took 2-19 for Sri Lanka.
• The second match of the three-match series is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue.

Sri Lanka's Batting Blitz Sets Up Victory

Sri Lanka Women posted an imposing 161 for 4 after being asked to bat first in the opening T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh Women at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The innings was anchored by half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Imesha Dulani, who combined aggression with composure to propel the visitors to a formidable total. Samarawickrama, opening the batting, smashed 61 off just 35 balls, striking boundaries at will to put the Bangladesh bowlers under immediate pressure. Dulani provided the perfect foil, scoring a steady 55 from 40 deliveries, ensuring the momentum never waned. Their partnership laid the foundation for what proved to be a match-winning score.

Bangladesh's Chase Stalls Despite Shorna Akter's Heroics

In response, Bangladesh Women managed only 136 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling 25 runs short of the target. The chase was spearheaded by Shorna Akter, who played a spirited knock of 60 off 45 balls, her maiden half-century in WT20Is. Her innings included four boundaries and two sixes, but she lacked meaningful support from the other end as wickets fell regularly. Dilara Akter contributed 23, but no other batter reached double figures, leaving Shorna to fight a lone battle. Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, with captain Chamari Athapaththu and Malki Madara each taking two wickets, stifling any hopes of a late resurgence.

Key Performances and Turning Points

The match turned decisively in Sri Lanka's favor during the middle overs of Bangladesh's innings. After a steady start, the hosts lost wickets in clusters, unable to build partnerships around Shorna Akter. Sultana Khatun was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers earlier, claiming 2 for 29, but her efforts were overshadowed by the batting onslaught. Samarawickrama's aggressive strokeplay in the powerplay set the tone, and Dulani's measured innings ensured Sri Lanka capitalized on the platform. The visitors' total of 161 proved beyond Bangladesh's reach, despite a valiant effort from Shorna.

Series Context and What Lies Ahead

This victory gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, with the second game scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday. Both teams will look to adjust their strategies, with Bangladesh seeking to level the series and Sri Lanka aiming to seal an early advantage. The result underscores Sri Lanka's growing prowess in women's T20 cricket, while Bangladesh will rue the lack of support for Shorna Akter. The series remains finely poised, with the next match likely to be a crucial encounter.

The bottom line

• Sri Lanka's 25-run win was built on half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama (61 off 35) and Imesha Dulani (55 off 40).
• Shorna Akter's maiden WT20I fifty (60 off 45) was the lone bright spot in Bangladesh's chase.
• Chamari Athapaththu and Malki Madara each took two wickets to stifle Bangladesh's middle order.
• The second T20I of the series will be played on Thursday at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
• Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0.