Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance powers Sri Lanka to series-levelling win over Bangladesh in 2nd Women’s ODI

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Sri Lanka bounced back in style to defeat Bangladesh by four wickets in the second Women’s ODI in Rajshahi, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Returning skipper Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a stellar all-round performance, guiding her side to a comfortable chase of 166 after Bangladesh were bowled out for 165 in 45.5 overs.

The win marked a strong comeback for the visitors, who had missed Athapaththu’s presence in the opening game due to injury. Her return not only boosted the team’s morale but also shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers. Athapaththu made an immediate impact, striking crucial blows in the middle overs to derail the hosts’ innings.

She first dismissed Sharmin Sultana via an lbw decision that sparked visible frustration from the batter. In her next over, she removed Sobhana Mostary, who was caught at square leg attempting an aggressive stroke.

Athapaththu’s third wicket came courtesy of a sharp catch from Nilakshika Silva, who held on at mid-off to dismiss Ritu Moni. Bangladesh never truly recovered from these setbacks. Captain Nigar Sultana fought a lone battle, scoring a patient 58 off 101 deliveries. However, the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup meant Bangladesh could only post a below-par total.

Sri Lanka’s bowling unit backed Athapaththu well, with Malki Madara, Nimesha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera claiming two wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with one.

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Chasing 166, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. However, Athapaththu once again stepped up, playing an aggressive knock of 40 off just 39 balls, laced with eight boundaries. Her intent set the tone for the chase, even though she fell in the 17th over to left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter.

A brief on-field moment added intensity to the contest, as Nahida gave Athapaththu a send-off, prompting a stern stare from the Sri Lankan skipper before she walked off.

The foundation laid by Athapaththu was solidified by a crucial 79-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Samarawickrama anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 76 balls, while Karunaratne contributed a steady 40.

Although Nahida continued to impress with the ball, finishing with four wickets, Sri Lanka maintained control and crossed the finish line with relative ease. With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will head into the final ODI in Rajshahi on April 25 with everything to play for.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.