Bangladesh were defeated by Sri Lanka by three runs in their fifth match of the Women's Asia Cup on Monday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing 41 in seven overs In a rain-hit match, the Tigresses crumbled under pressure and lost their way in the final couple of overs to end their innings at 37 for seven in seven overs.
Despite losing both openers within three overs and with only 12 runs on the board, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Rumana Ahmed stitched a 15-run partnership, and the home team had the upper hand, requiring 15 from 12 deliveries and eight wickets in hand.
However, wickets continued to fall as the Tigresses attempted to force their way into making mistakes. Four wickets fell in the sixth over, reducing the equation to a difficult 12 off the last over, but the home side batters were unable to hit a single boundary. Inoka Ranaweera, the match's MVP, took four wickets in seven overs while allowing only seven runs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka was called in to bat first, and the island nation scored 83 for five in 18.1 overs following a 30-minute rain delay, which meant the DLS system had to be used to give the host side a lower target.
Nilakshi de Silva led Sri Lanka in scoring with an undefeated 31-ball 28. Rumana Ahmed was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking two wickets in three overs.
Bangladesh is now in a difficult position to advance to the semis of regional event. The Tigresses are hoping that Thailand loses to India on Monday and that they can overcome UAE on Tuesday to secure a semi-final spot as the fourth-placed team.