Nigar Sultana offers strategic insights to her Bangladesh squad.
Colombo, September 27, 2025 – The term “warm-up” often suggests a leisurely stretch before the real contest begins. However, for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka`s women`s cricket teams, their recent encounter ahead of the ICC Women`s World Cup 2025/26 was anything but a gentle jog. In a match that delivered drama worthy of a grand finale, Bangladesh secured a breathtaking one-run victory, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder whether this was a mere rehearsal or an early preview of the tournament`s intensity.
Bangladesh`s Resilient Innings: Setting the Stage
The stage was set in Colombo, with Bangladesh opting to bat first. The early proceedings saw a minor stumble as Udeshika Prabodhani struck in the second over, removing Fargana Haque cheaply. Yet, such early setbacks often reveal the mettle of a side, and Bangladesh responded with a display of measured aggression. Opener Rubya Haider and the steadfast Sharmin Akhter orchestrated a crucial 90-run partnership, stabilizing the innings and laying a foundation for a competitive total.
Sharmin Akhter, in particular, was the anchor, compiling a well-deserved 71 runs that showcased her experience and composure. Despite further breakthroughs from Sri Lankan bowlers, notably Kavisha Dilhari who claimed two pivotal wickets, Bangladesh managed to post a challenging target of 242 for 8. The innings, while not without its hiccups, proved to be precisely the kind of robust effort needed to put pressure on their opponents.
Sri Lanka`s Gallant Chase: A Partnership of Hope
Chasing 243, Sri Lanka`s innings mirrored Bangladesh`s early struggles, slipping from a promising 56 for 1 to a precarious 86 for 4. The momentum seemed to be shifting decisively in Bangladesh`s favor. However, it was at this critical juncture that the Sri Lankan middle order displayed remarkable resolve. Kavisha Dilhari, fresh from her bowling exploits, joined Nilakshika Silva at the crease, and together they embarked on a partnership that rekindled Sri Lankan hopes.
Both batters played with conviction, each notching up half-centuries. Dilhari`s innings of 63 was particularly enterprising, though it concluded in a rather unconventional and perhaps ironic fashion – her bat, after a powerful shot over midwicket, decided it had seen enough and dislodged her stumps. A moment that, in any other context, might have been amusing, but here, only added to the tension. Nilakshika Silva, undeterred, continued her valiant effort, compiling an impressive 75 off 78 balls, guiding her team seemingly towards the brink of victory.
The Grandstand Finish: A Collapse and a Hero
With 46 overs bowled, Sri Lanka stood at 218 for 5, requiring a manageable 25 runs from the final 24 balls. The equation favored them, the chase appeared under control, and the “warm-up” seemed destined for a comfortable Sri Lankan win. This, however, is cricket, and few things are ever truly comfortable, especially when a World Cup is on the horizon.
What followed was a dramatic, almost cinematic, collapse. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter emerged as Bangladesh`s chief architect of mayhem. In the 47th over, she ripped through Sri Lanka`s lower order, dismissing Piumi Wathsala and Anushka Sanjeewani in quick succession. Her relentless accuracy continued into the 49th over, where she claimed the crucial wicket of the resilient Nilakshika Silva, effectively dismantling Sri Lanka`s last genuine hope.
With nine runs needed from the final over, the pressure mounted on young Marufa Akter to deliver for Bangladesh. She did not disappoint. In a display of nerves of steel, Marufa Akter defended the target admirably, as Sri Lanka succumbed to three more wickets, including a frantic run-out. The final delivery sealed it: Bangladesh had triumphed by the slimmest of margins – one run.
Beyond the Scorecard: Lessons for the World Cup
This match was more than just a warm-up; it was a potent psychological battle. For Bangladesh, the victory, particularly the manner of it, will instill immense confidence. Sharmin Akhter`s batting and Nahida Akter`s ability to trigger a collapse under pressure are invaluable assets. It demonstrates their capacity to fight back from difficult positions and hold their nerve in crunch situations – qualities essential for any World Cup campaign.
For Sri Lanka, while the defeat will sting, it offers crucial insights into their need for composure in tight finishes and the depth of their batting. Kavisha Dilhari`s all-round performance and Nilakshika Silva`s resilience are positives to build upon. However, the dramatic collapse will undoubtedly be a key area for analysis and improvement before the tournament proper begins.
As the ICC Women`s World Cup 2025/26 draws nearer, this thrilling encounter serves as a vivid reminder of the escalating competitiveness in women`s cricket. If this “warm-up” is any indication, fans are in for a truly electrifying tournament, where every run and every wicket could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
