Sri Lanka levelled the three-match Women’s ODI series against Bangladesh at 1-1 on April 22, 2026, winning the second match in Rajshahi by four wickets.They were able to do this largely because Chamari Athapaththu made her triumphant return after missing the first match of the series due to a finger injury.
Athapaththu played a vital role in the victory, contributing both bat (65 runs) and ball (taking four wickets) to end any advantage the Bangladesh team had at the start of the series.
Athapaththu’s Impact on the Series
The first ODI told a clear story about Athapaththu’s value to this Sri Lanka side. Without her, they lost by three wickets. With her back for the second, the balance of the match shifted almost immediately.
Athapaththu had been absent from that opening loss due to the finger injury, her first unavailability in a series that carries weight beyond the result itself. Sri Lanka’s upcoming preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in England and Wales, made every match in this tour relevant for form and momentum. Her return brought both back to the visitors at once.
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How Athapaththu Dismantled Bangladesh’s Innings
Bangladesh chose to bat first at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. The decision did not pay off. Their innings moved to 165 all out in 45.5 overs, a total that always looked below par on the surface.
Athapaththu was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers. She removed Sharmin Sultana lbw in the 16th over, a decision the batter visibly disagreed with, then dismissed Sobhana Mostary caught at square leg in her next over. Her third wicket arrived in the 31st over when Ritu Moni mistimed a cover drive, and Nilakshika Silva completed a clean catch at mid-off. Athapaththu finished with 3 for 36 from her full allocation, bowling at an economy of 4.50. Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera each took two wickets to support the effort.
For Bangladesh, captain Nigar Sultana top-scored with 58 from 101 balls, providing the only significant innings of substance. Several other batters reached base but could not convert them into runs of consequence.
The Chase and How Sri Lanka Finished It
Sri Lanka’s chase of 166 was not without difficulty. Opener Hasini Perera fell early for five, and Athapaththu came in to hold the innings together with 40 from 39 balls, hitting eight fours before Nahida Akter dismissed her in the 17th over. The moment of the dismissal drew attention beyond the wicket itself. Nahida gave her a send-off, and Athapaththu held her gaze briefly before leaving the crease.
From that point, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne steadied the chase with a 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Samarawickrama made 50 from 76 balls with seven fours, and Karunaratne contributed 40 from 64 balls. Nahida returned to remove both batters and add a fourth wicket to finish with 4 for 21, but the damage was already done. Sri Lanka crossed the line in 38.2 overs, levelling the series with the third and final ODI scheduled for April 25 in Rajshahi.
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