Bangladesh leap hurdles to bag maiden ODI win over Sri Lanka

Scorecard

Bangladesh recorded their first-ever win over Sri Lanka in Women's ODIs, securing a three-wicket victory in a tightly-fought contest in Rajshahi.

This win came in the first of the three games of the ODI series between these two sides in Bangladesh. The ODI fixtures will be followed by a three-game T20I contest, crucial for both the sides ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

For the hosts, Sharmin Akhter led the chase with a stellar knock of 86, which included 13 fours. Her innings was composed of 13 fours, and she was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

This was the highest-ever score by a Bangladesh batter in a successful women's ODI chase, beating Sharmin's very own 72 against Ireland in 2024.

This was also overall the highest-ever score by a Bangladesh batter in a run-chase, beating Nigar Sultana Joty's 77 against Sri Lanka at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.

Earlier in the day, Ritu Moni (3/36) and Nahida Akter (2/38) put brakes on Sri Lanka's innings after the tourists had elected to bat first. Still, Imesha Dulani (52) and Hansima Karunaratne (54) got the island nation past the 200-run mark.

In response, Bangladesh were rocked back early, but soon recovered courtesy of Sharmin and Sobhana Mostary (41). The hosts were cruising towards a comfortable win before Dewmi Vihanga rocked their middle-order and brought Sri Lanka back into the contest.

Calm approach from Nahida and Sultana Khatun saw Bangladesh knock off the remaining runs with just three wickets in hand.

The next ODI of the series, which is a part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, will be played on 22 April.