Bangladesh's maiden win against Srilanka

Grameenphone Women Cricket Tri-Nation Series

Bangladesh's maiden win against Srilanka



Sri Lanka batsman Suvini de Alwis fails to make her ground as Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mina Khatun (R) acrobatically removes the stumps from a Panna Ghosh throw during their tri-nation match at the Bir Shreshtha Motiur Rahman Stadium in Khulna yesterday. Photo: Courtesy
Sports ReporterBangladesh handed Sri Lanka a stunning six-wicket defeat in the GrameenPhone Tri-Nation Women's Cricket Tournament yesterday at the Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Khulna.

This victory gave thousands a chance to smile after an otherwise unsuccessful tri-series so far and sets up a virtual semifinal clash against Pakistan on Saturday. Sri Lanka, who have led the way in the tournament with a perfect record so far, lost the toss and were put into bat first.

It proved to be a disaster for the islanders and they were shot out for only 67, a target which the winners chased down with six wickets in hand and 111 balls to spare.

Bangladesh's success was based on a four-pronged bowling attack, with everyone picking up wickets. Panna Ghosh struck the first blow after she trapped Chamari Polgampola lbw in the fifth over, and Shamima Akhter bowled Hiruka Fernando to reduce Sri Lanka to 25 for 2.

The Lankans also proceeded to self-capitulate as two middle-order batsmen, including captain Sashikala Siriwardene, fell victim to run-outs through sharp fielding by the Bangladesh team. The tail then put only meek resistance in the face of disciplined bowling as four of the last five batsmen fell without troubling the scorers.

Bangladesh too began their chase badly when Shathira Jakir was lbw to Polgampola for a 13-ball duck but steady contributions from Ayesha Akhter, who top scored with 24, Ghosh and captain Salma Khatun secured the joyous and at the same time a much-needed victory.

Sri Lanka have already qualified for the final of the tournament and will be joined by the winner of tomorrow's contest between Pakistan and the hosts, both of whom are on five points each.

BRIEF SCORE:
SRI LANKA: 67 all out (D.De Silva 26, Galagedara 15, Rasangika 17, extras 5; Shamima 3-23, Mondol 2-17, Salma Khatun 2-8)
BANGLADESH: 71-4 in 31.3 overs (Ayesha 24, Panna 16, Salma Khatun 22*, extras 9; Siriwardene 2-16)