Harshitha Samarawickrama’s fiery innings leads Sri Lanka to series-clinching win over Bangladesh in 2nd Women’s T20I

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In a clinical display of power-hitting and strategic bowling, Sri Lanka Women secured an unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series, defeating Bangladesh Women by 21 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The victory, anchored by a masterful batting performance from Harshitha Samarawickrama, underscores Sri Lanka’s growing dominance in the shortest format of the game. Choosing to bat first, the visitors posted a formidable 154/4 before their disciplined bowling unit stifled the Tigresses’ chase, restricting them to 133/5.

The Sri Lankan innings began with a steady foundation laid by captain Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera. While Perera (9 off 11) fell early to Fariha Trisna, Athapaththu played the anchor role, scoring a vital 42 off 37 deliveries. However, the momentum truly shifted when Samarawickrama arrived at the crease.

Samarawickrama played a fiery knock that effectively took the game away from the hosts. She hammered 49 runs off just 29 balls, striking at a remarkable 168.96. Her innings was a masterclass in placement and intent, featuring four boundaries and two towering sixes. Alongside Nilakshika Silva (22* off 18), Samarawickrama propelled the scoring rate in the death overs, stitching together a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The Bangladesh bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Despite economical spells from Fariha Trisna (1/23) and Sultana Khatun (1/21), the middle-order acceleration meant Sri Lanka surged from 100 runs in the 16th over to a final total of 154. Nahida Akter claimed the scalp of Samarawickrama on the final ball of the innings, but the damage was already done.

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Bangladesh’s response started promisingly, with openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous racing to 46/0 during the Powerplay. However, the introduction of spin and a sudden surge in fielding intensity turned the tide.

The turning point came through a series of clinical run-outs that decimated the Bangladesh middle order. Imesha Dulani was the star in the field, involvement in the dismissals of both Ferdous (29) and the dangerous Nigar Sultana (7). A third run-out, executed by Kavisha Dilhari to dismiss Sobhana Mostary for a duck, left the hosts reeling at 84/4.

While Sharmin Akhter fought a lonely battle, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 47 balls, she lacked the explosive support needed to keep up with the required run rate of 7.70. Kavisha Dilhari was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with exceptional figures of 2/15 in 4 overs, maintaining an economy of 3.75. Sugandika Kumari also applied immense pressure, conceding only 14 runs in her four-over quota.

Bangladesh ultimately finished on 133/5, falling 21 runs short. This victory marks a significant series win for Sri Lanka on foreign soil, fueled by Samarawickrama’s brilliance and a collective effort in the field that proved too much for the Tigresses to handle.

Sri Lanka secures a clinical 21 run win over Bangladesh in the 2nd T20I 👏#BANvSL #SriLankaCricket #T20I

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) April 30, 2026

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