Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Final‑Over Win over Bangladesh
Oct, 20 2025
When Chamari Athapaththu, captain of the Sri Lanka Women's National Cricket Team, bowled a nail‑biter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on 19 October 2025, the entire ground held its breath.
The showdown was part of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025Dhaka, Bangladesh, a tournament that has turned into a roller‑coaster for both sides. Bangladesh’s women’s side, Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team, needed 12 runs off the last six balls. What unfolded was a three‑run victory that rewrote history.
Historical backdrop
Before this clash, Sri Lanka had never beaten Bangladesh in a World Cup match. Four defeats stretched back to the 2013 tournament in India, with the most recent loss in a warm‑up game earlier this year. The odds, therefore, leaned heavily toward the hosts. As cricket analyst Rohit Singh noted on a post‑match podcast, “Sri Lanka has been the underdog for far too long; this win is a statement.”
Match timeline and turning points
The match began at 10:30 am local time, with Bangladesh winning the toss and electing to bat. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings, smashing 78 runs from 92 balls. Bangladesh posted 243/8 after 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s reply was anchored by Athapaththu herself, who struck 85 runs off 89 balls. The chase looked steady until the 48th over, when Bangladesh’s Fargana Hoque (run out for 67) sparked a brief shift in momentum. With 12 runs needed off the final over, the tension was palpable.
Here’s the thing: Athapaththu, usually known for her batting, was handed the ball for the 50th over. She bowled a tight spell, conceding only nine runs and picking up the crucial wicket of Sobhana Mostary on the fourth ball. Bangladesh managed just three runs in the final over, sealing a 3‑run win for Sri Lanka.
Player performances that mattered
- Chamari Athapaththu: 85 runs, 2/39 (10‑0‑39‑2) – an all‑round hero.
- Nigar Sultana Joty (BAN): 78 runs, 0/45 – solid but not enough.
- Sobhana Mostary (BAN): dismissed for 29, caught behind.
- David Boon (ICC Match Referee): Oversaw a clean game, no disciplinary issues.
ICC Chief Executive Geoffrey Allardice praised the contest, saying, “This exemplifies the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket globally.”
Reactions from the cricketing world
After the final wicket fell, Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashantha de Mel beamed, “Chamari’s leadership under pressure shows why she earned ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2023.” Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan Papon was gracious, “We showed tremendous fighting spirit but fell short in the crunch moments against a world‑class captain.”
The crowd of 18,432 spectators erupted, a near‑full house for a stadium that seats 25,000. Umpires Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) and Claire Polosak (Australia) kept a tight leash on the action.
Implications for the tournament
This win catapults Sri Lanka to fourth place on the group table with eight points from six matches, nudging them into the semifinal race. Bangladesh, meanwhile, sits fifth with six points, still within striking distance but now needing a win and a slip‑up from the teams above.
The ICC’s tournament director Claire Furlong reminded fans that a minimum of 14 points from ten matches is required to guarantee a semifinal spot. Sri Lanka’s next challenge: Australia on 23 October 2025, a classic showdown that could seal their fate.
Looking ahead
Beyond the numbers, the psychological boost for Sri Lanka cannot be overstated. After years of coming up short, the team now believes they can compete with the traditional powerhouses. The win also shines a spotlight on Athapaththu’s evolving role as a genuine all‑rounder, a rarity in women’s cricket.
For Bangladesh, the loss is a hammering reminder that depth in the lower order is crucial. Coach Mushfiqur Rahim (not to be confused with the male cricketer) hinted at a tactical overhaul, especially in death‑overs bowling.
Broadcast partners such as Star Sports (India), Sky Sports (UK) and Willow TV (USA) reported an estimated 12.7 million viewers, underscoring the global appetite for high‑stakes women’s cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals?
The win lifts Sri Lanka to fourth place with eight points, keeping them within the top‑four cutoff. A victory against Australia on 23 October could secure a semifinal berth, while a loss would likely see them slip to fifth.
What made Chamari Athapaththu’s performance stand out in this match?
Athapaththu contributed 85 runs, anchoring the chase, and then turned the ball over with a disciplined final over, taking two wickets for 39 runs overall. Her dual role as top‑order batter and death‑over bowler is rare in women’s cricket.
Why has Bangladesh struggled against Sri Lanka in World Cups historically?
Bangladesh’s previous four World Cup defeats came from a combination of lower batting depth and less experience in hostile death‑over scenarios. The 2025 match highlighted those gaps, especially when key batters fell short in the final overs.
What are the next big matches for both teams in the tournament?
Sri Lanka faces Australia on 23 October 2025 in Dhaka, a match that could decide their semifinal fate. Bangladesh’s next encounter is against India on 24 October 2025, also at Sher‑e‑Bangla, where they must win and hope for a points swing.
How did the crowd react to the last‑over drama?
Fans erupted in a roar as the final ball fell, with the stadium reaching near‑full capacity. Social media in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lit up with praise for Athapaththu’s composure and calls for more support for women’s cricket.