Under the bright lights of Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, history was made. On April 22, 2026, Bangladesh Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by three wickets in a gripping first ODI match. This victory marked Bangladesh’s maiden win over Sri Lanka in WODIs — a moment that will resonate through the ages.
Sri Lanka batted first, setting a target of 206 runs after scoring 205 for 9. The innings was led by Hansima Karunaratne, who managed to score 54 runs. But it wasn’t enough to secure a win for her team. The pressure was palpable as Bangladesh took the field, knowing they needed to chase down this target.
And chase they did. With determination and grit, Bangladesh Women reached their target, finishing at 207 for 7. Sharmin Akhter was the star of the show, racking up an impressive 86 runs — her performance pivotal in sealing the victory. Ritu Moni also played a crucial role with the ball, taking three wickets and dismantling Sri Lankan hopes.
The absence of regular captain Chamari Athapaththu due to injury loomed large over Sri Lanka’s strategy. Without her leadership and experience, they struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Bangladeshi side that had previously lost three out of five encounters with Sri Lanka in WODIs.
As the match unfolded, it became clear that every run counted — especially on a pitch where the average first innings total is just 190. Yet Bangladesh’s resolve shone through; they capitalized on every opportunity thrown their way.
The atmosphere at Rajshahi was electric as fans cheered for their home team. With this win, Bangladesh takes a crucial 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting second match at the same venue on Wednesday.
Both teams now turn their eyes towards that next clash — and while Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back, Bangladesh will look to build on this historic moment and continue their winning momentum.
In sports, it’s not just about numbers; it’s about stories — stories of struggle, triumph, and resilience. For Bangladesh Women, this victory is more than just a statistic; it’s a testament to their growth as a formidable force in women’s cricket.
