Bangladesh A Women held their nerve in a tense low-scoring thriller to edge past Sri Lanka A Women by 4 runs, defending a modest total in a dramatic finish in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026.
Batting first, Bangladesh A were bundled out for 115 in 19.5 overs, but not before showing resilience through key partnerships. Ishma Tanjim top-scored with a composed 30, while Sarmin Sultana added a valuable 29. The crucial phase came when Ishma stitched together a 48-run partnership with Shamima Sultana (17), helping Bangladesh recover from early setbacks and push the total past the 100-run mark.
Sri Lanka A’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout. Sachini Nisansala was the standout with an impressive 4-wicket haul, well supported by Malsha Shehani (2 wickets) and Sathya Sandeepani (2 wickets), ensuring Bangladesh never fully broke free.
In reply, Sri Lanka A Women’s chase faltered early under pressure. Openers Sanjana Kavindi (17) and skipper Anushka Sanjeewani (6) failed to provide a solid start, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Hansima Karunaratne (26) tried to steady the innings, but the middle order struggled, with most batters restricted to single-digit scores.
Late hope arrived in the form of Ama Kanchana, whose fighting 23 kept Sri Lanka in the hunt till the final overs. However, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack closed out the game as Sri Lanka finished on 111/9, falling just short.
With the ball, Sanjida Akter Meghla led the charge, claiming 3 crucial wickets, while Lata Mondal and Fahima Khatun chipped in with 2 wickets each, sealing a hard-fought victory.
A classic contest of nerves and discipline, this narrow win gives Bangladesh A a big confidence boost in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, while Sri Lanka A will rue missed opportunities in a chase that slipped away by the finest of margins.
