Shorna’s maiden fifty in vain as Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in series opener

Shorna Akter’s maiden half-century in WT20Is went in vain as Bangladesh slumped to a 25-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging target of 162, the Tigresses managed 136 for seven in their allotted 20 overs despite a fighting 60 off 45 deliveries from Shorna. Her knock, laced with four boundaries and two sixes, stood out in an otherwise faltering batting display, as she found little support from the other end.

The match also marked a personal milestone for left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who featured in her 100th WT20I, becoming only the second Bangladeshi cricketer to achieve the feat after Nigar Sultana Joty.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a commanding 161 for four after being asked to bat first, courtesy of impressive half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Imesha Dulani. Samarawickrama struck a brisk 61 off 35 balls, while Dulani added a composed 55 from 40 deliveries.

The total was Sri Lanka’s highest against Bangladesh in WT20Is, surpassing their previous best of 158 for three recorded in Colombo in 2023.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when opener Hasini Perera was dismissed for seven during the powerplay. However, skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Dulani steadied the innings with a 42-run stand for the second wicket.

Off-spinner Sultana Khatun broke the partnership by removing Athapaththu for 32 off 30 balls, but Sri Lanka regained control through a fluent 80-run partnership between Dulani and Samarawickrama. Nahida eventually dismissed Dulani after her fifty, but Samarawickrama maintained the momentum with an aggressive display, hitting five fours and two sixes to propel her side to a formidable total.

Bangladesh began their chase on a promising note, with openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous racing to 39 without loss in just 3.3 overs. Dilara scored 23 off 14 balls, while Juairiya made 16 off 12.

However, the innings unraveled quickly after Juairiya’s dismissal, as Bangladesh collapsed from 39 without loss to 44 for four within the span of just 12 balls. Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana Joty, and Dilara all departed in quick succession, putting the hosts on the back foot.

Sobhana Mostary and Shorna attempted to rebuild, but the rising required run rate proved difficult to manage. Mostary scored a cautious 16 off 26 balls before falling, leaving Shorna to carry the fight alone.

Despite her resilience, Shorna was unable to keep pace with the mounting pressure, and her valiant effort ultimately only narrowed the margin of defeat.

For Sri Lanka, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, and Athapaththu picked up two wickets each.

The second match of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Thursday.