Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh to make it two in two in Women's T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka make it two in the Women's T20 World Cup, following their impressive seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Cape Town. Chasing 127, Sri Lanka were reduced to  27 for 3 in the powerplay before opening batter Harshitha Madavi (69*) and Nilakshi de Silva (41*) out on an unbeaten fourth wicket stand of 104 to take their side home. 

It was fast bowler Marufa Akter who had picked up all the three wickets to rattle Sri Lanka initially.

This win comes as a huge boost for Sri Lanka who shocked the world with a three-wicket win over hosts South Africa in the tournament opener.

After electing to bat first, Bangladesh huffed and puffed their way to 126 for 8. None of the batters managed to get 30, with Sobhana Mostary top-scoring with 29 off 32. There were contributions from skipper Nigar Sultana (28) and wicketkeeper Shamima Sultana (20) too. They failed to have any meaningful partnership and as a result, managed an under-par total in the end.

For Sri Lanka it was once again off-spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe, who was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 3 for 23, to go with her 2 for 20 in the first game against South Africa.

Chamari Athapaththu too bowled four quiet overs, to round off an impressive spell of 2 for 19. 

With this win, Sri Lanka now have four points in two games, while Bangladesh will hope to bounce back in their second game against Australia on Tuesday (February 14). Sri Lanka too will take on Australia in their next game on Thursday (February 16) and look to make it three in three.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh Women 126 for 8 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 29, Nigar Sultana 28; Oshadi Ranasinghe 3 for 23) lost to Sri Lanka Women 129 for 3 in 18.2 overs Harshitha Madavi 69*, Nilakshi de Silva 41*; Marufa Akter 3 for 23) by 7 wickets

Player of the match: Harshitha Madavi