In a significant development for women’s cricket, Bangladesh Women triumphed over Sri Lanka Women by three wickets in the First ODI Match held on April 22, 2026, at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. This victory not only gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the series but also marks their maiden win against Sri Lanka in WODIs.
Sri Lanka Women batted first, posting a total of 205 runs for nine wickets. The top run scorer for the Sri Lankan side was Hansima Karunaratne, who contributed 54 runs. However, despite her efforts, it was not enough to secure a win.
In response, Bangladesh Women successfully chased down the target of 206 runs, finishing with a score of 206 for seven. Sharmin Akhter emerged as the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring an impressive 86 runs, while Ritu Moni made her mark with the ball by taking three wickets.
This match was particularly challenging for Sri Lanka as they were without their regular captain Chamari Athapaththu due to injury. Consequently, this absence may have impacted their performance on the field.
Historically, prior to this match, Bangladesh Women had faced Sri Lanka five times in WODIs, securing only two draws and suffering three losses. The average first innings total at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium stands at around 190 runs—indicating that both teams were aware of the pitch conditions.
The second match of this series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Wednesday, which could provide an opportunity for Sri Lanka to level the series. Yet, with Bangladesh’s recent performance and newfound confidence from this victory, they may pose a formidable challenge ahead.
Overall, this result has elicited positive reactions from fans and analysts alike. It signifies a potential shift in competitive dynamics within women’s cricket in South Asia. Documents show that such victories are crucial for teams looking to build momentum and confidence in international play.
