Bangladesh finally disappointed in the U-19 Women’s Tri-series when they suffered a 36-run defeat in the final match at the hands of Sri Lanka on Friday.
Held at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground, Cox’z Bazar, the Sri Lankan Under-19 Women’s team laughed the last laugh with winning the final when it was also a sweet revenge over the host following their two defeats in the group-leg matches.
Bangladesh, who made a winning start in the tournament, won all four group-leg matches defeating Sri Lanka and Pakistan for twice each and stormed into the final.
But failed to keep up the momentum in the title winning match when the Sri Lankan Women just stunned the hosts with a 36 runs victory to lift the trophy.
However, in the final match, Sri Lankan captain Vishme Rajapaksha decided to bat first after winning the toss and set a challenging total 148 runs to chase for their Bangladesh counterparts.
But the hosts Bangladesh women could manage only 112 runs in the stipulated 20 overs for eight wickets.
Opting to bat first, Nethmi Senarathne gave a brilliant start to the innings of Sri Lanka with scoring a century in the opening stand along with Dewmi Vihanga as the visitors scored 148 runs for three wickets.
Nethmi Senarathne hammered a 57-ball 66 which featured eight fours and her opening partner Dewmi Vihanga played 49 runs inning off 42 balls clubbing two boundaries and four sixes, as they laid a strong platform with scoring 104 runs by 14.2 overs in the opening partnership.
Rest of the batters added 44 runs in 5.4 overs to set a tough task for Bangladesh to cross.
None of the Tigresses’ bowlers could shine on the day when Rabeya, Nishita and Jannatul Maoua claimed one wicket each.
Chase to a big target, Bangladesh Women saw the massive blow at the initial stage with Dewmi Vihanga giving a brilliant start to the innings by returning opener Mst Eva for one with scorecard was also showing one run.
Vihanga struck again to send back the one down Habiba Pinky for eight with Bangladesh reaching to double digit (11) by 3.3 overs.
But none of the hosts batters could rebuild the innings when captain and the other opener Sumaiya Akter Suborna and Sumaiya Akter at four returned to pavilion in quick succession with leaving the team for 4/23.
The Tigresses’ batters then failed to bounce back from initial pressure but to struggle much as, Dewmi Vihanga, Yasanthi Nimanthika and Rishmi Sanjana Dewmi Vihanga The Tigresses’ batters then failed to bounce back from initial pressure but to struggle much as, Dewmi Vihanga, Yasanthi Nimanthika and Rishmi Sanjana gave quick breakthrough by removing the middle orders in regular interval.
Only Rabeya Khan could play with some confidence when she scored 31 runs off 29 balls with hitting four boundaries, which was not enough to win the match. Arvin Tani was the team’s second highest scorer with 15 runs, and Unnoti Akter contributed 14 runs and Affia Ashima was not out with 11 runs, as Bangladesh innings ended on 112 runs 36 runs behind to winning target.
Dewmi Vinhnga was the highest wicket taker with three wickets conceding 13 runs in her four overs spell.
