Sri Lanka Women sealed the ODI series 2-1 with a composed seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the third and final ODI at Rajshahi on April 25, built around a match-winning alliance between Hasini Perera and the fast-rising Imesha Dulani.
Chasing 214, Sri Lanka were given a steady platform despite an early setback when skipper Chamari Athapaththu fell cheaply. From there, Hasini Perera anchored the innings with a superb 95 off 131 balls, an effort marked by patience and control rather than brute force. She found an able partner in Dulani, whose assured 56 off 79 deliveries underlined both temperament and growing authority at the international level.
The pair added a decisive 108 runs for the second wicket, effectively breaking the back of the chase. Dulani’s half-century—crafted with seven boundaries—was not merely a contribution to this victory, but the crowning moment of a remarkable series that earned her the Player of the Series award in just her seventh ODI appearance. With 116 runs across the three matches, she announced herself as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young batters.
After Dulani’s dismissal, Hasini continued to steer the innings deep, before falling agonisingly short of a deserved century. Harshitha Samarawickrama then ensured there were no late stumbles, finishing unbeaten on 44 as Sri Lanka reached 214 for 3 in 46.3 overs, with 21 balls to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh Women posted 213 for 8 after opting to bat first, thanks largely to a fluent 74 from Sobhana Mostary and a measured 40 by captain Nigar Sultana. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept chipping away at crucial intervals. Kavisha Dilhari led the effort with three wickets, while Nimasha Meepage claimed two, ensuring Bangladesh never quite broke free despite a late flourish.
In the end, Sri Lanka’s greater composure with the bat proved decisive, as they clinched the match—and the series—2-1, capping a tour that also highlighted the emergence of Dulani as a player of rare promise.
Chief Scores:
Bangladesh Women 213/8 in 50 overs (Sobhana Mostary 74, Nigar Sultana 40; Kavisha Dilhari 3/48, Nimasha Meepage 2/40)
Sri Lanka Women 214/3 in 46.3 overs (Hasini Perera 95, Imesha Dulani 56, Harshitha Samarawickrama 44*).
