Sri Lanka Women Clinch Series with Dominant All-Round Performance in 3rd ODI

Sources: Cricbuzz | ESPNcricinfo | Mint

The Sri Lanka Women’s cricket team secured a convincing victory over Bangladesh Women in the third and final ODI of the series at Rajshahi on April 25, 2026, thereby clinching the three-match series 2–1. In what was effectively a series decider after both teams won one game each, Sri Lanka delivered a composed and clinical performance with both bat and ball.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka Women opted to bat first on a slightly dry surface that promised assistance for spinners as the game progressed. The decision proved fruitful as skipper Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a commanding innings. She played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings while also accelerating at crucial moments.

Sri Lanka got off to a steady start, with openers carefully negotiating the new ball. Although Bangladesh struck early with a breakthrough, Athapaththu steadied the innings with her experience and aggressive stroke play. She found good support from the middle order, particularly Harshitha Samarawickrama, who contributed valuable runs to build partnerships.

The visitors posted a competitive total in the range of 220–240 runs, which looked challenging given the nature of the pitch. Bangladesh bowlers, especially the spinners, tried to contain the flow of runs, but Sri Lanka’s batters rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries.

In response, Bangladesh Women began their chase cautiously. Captain Nigar Sultana looked to guide her team with a responsible innings, but regular wickets hampered their progress. The Sri Lankan bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, building pressure consistently.

Chamari Athapaththu once again made an impact, this time with the ball, breaking a crucial partnership that could have shifted momentum. Sri Lanka’s spin attack proved particularly effective on the Rajshahi surface, exploiting the conditions to perfection.

Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite a few promising contributions from the middle order, the required run rate kept climbing, putting additional pressure on the batters. The disciplined Sri Lankan bowling unit ensured there were no easy scoring opportunities.

As the match entered its final stages, Bangladesh needed a late surge, but Sri Lanka held their nerve. The fielding effort was equally impressive, with sharp catches and athletic ground fielding adding to Bangladesh’s woes. Eventually, Bangladesh were bowled out well short of the target, handing Sri Lanka a well-deserved victory.

This win not only secured the match but also gave Sri Lanka the ODI series 2–1, marking a successful tour. Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance stood out as the defining factor of the game, earning her the Player of the Match award.

For Bangladesh, there were positives in patches, but inconsistency with the bat cost them dearly in the decider. The team will look to regroup and address these issues ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will take immense confidence from this series win, especially given their strong performances under pressure.