Sri Lanka women face Bangladesh in Asia Cup group B clash
Sri Lanka currently sit at the top of the Group B points table with two wins from two matches, while Bangladesh are second with one victory.
The two teams come into the contest in strong form after recording convincing wins in their previous matches.
Sri Lanka Women in Form
Sri Lanka have made an impressive start to their campaign, with Chamari Athapaththu leading the way with both bat and ball.
Athapaththu is Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the tournament with 57 runs and has also taken eight wickets.Sri Lanka’s previous match against Indonesia Women ended in a dominant 75-run victory.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 124 for seven in their 20 overs. After early wickets put pressure on the side, Nilakshika Silva produced a crucial innings of 50 from 35 balls, guiding Sri Lanka past the 120-run mark.
The bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion. Indonesia struggled from the start and were reduced to 29 for five in the 10th over. Athapaththu was the standout performer, taking seven wickets for just five runs as Indonesia were bowled out for 49.
Bangladesh Looking to Challenge Sri Lanka
Bangladesh also enter the match on the back of a convincing victory, defeating Indonesia Women by 71 runs.
They currently occupy second place in Group B, with one win from their two matches.
Sobhana Mostary is Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer with 40 runs, while Nahida Akter has taken three wickets.
Batting first against Indonesia, Bangladesh posted 129 for eight in 20 overs. Dilara Akter made 27 from 31 balls, while Mostary scored 40 from 42 deliveries to build the platform.
Shorna Akter then provided valuable momentum late in the innings as Bangladesh reached a competitive total on a difficult batting surface.Ind onesia struggled during the chase and were reduced to 50 for six in the 14th over. Nahida Akter claimed three wickets, while Marufa Akter took two for six as Indonesia were eventually bowled out for 58.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: What to Expect
Sri Lanka will enter the contest as the side with greater momentum, having won both of their matches so far.Bangladesh, however, have shown they can put pressure on opponents with both bat and ball and will be determined to close the gap at the top of Group B.
With Athapaththu in outstanding form and both teams coming off big victories, the Dubai clash promises to be a key encounter in the race for qualification.
Squads:-
Sri Lanka Women:
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Nimasha Meepage, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Chethana Vimukthi.
Bangladesh Women:
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Farjana Easmin, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla.