Heart-Stopping Thriller: Bangladesh Secures Last-Ball Victory in Women’s World Cup Warm-Up

Colombo, September 27, 2025 – The air in Colombo was thick with anticipation, not just for a warm-up game, but for a glimpse into the competitive fire of the upcoming ICC Women`s World Cup. What unfolded was an absolutely nail-biting encounter, a contest that stretched the nerves of players and spectators alike, culminating in Bangladesh women`s team securing a dramatic one-run victory over hosts Sri Lanka. This was more than a mere practice; it was a psychological battle won, a statement made on the global stage.

Bangladesh Lays the Foundation with Sharmin Akhter`s Grace

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh faced an early challenge when Udeshika Prabodhani struck in the second over, removing Fargana Haque. However, the resilient partnership between Rubya Haider and Sharmin Akhter soon brought stability, meticulously constructing a 90-run stand that steered Bangladesh away from choppy waters. Akhter, displaying a blend of composure and elegant stroke play, was the linchpin of the innings, top-scoring with a well-crafted 71 runs.

Despite the strong partnership, Sri Lanka`s bowlers, notably Kavisha Dilhari (2-24), Dewmi Vihanga, and Malki Madara, ensured Bangladesh couldn`t accelerate unchecked, chipping away with crucial wickets. Their disciplined efforts restricted Bangladesh to a competitive, though not insurmountable, total of 242 for 8. It was a target that promised a compelling chase, requiring both application and aggression from the Sri Lankan batters.

Sri Lanka`s Gallant Chase: From Stumble to Surge

Sri Lanka`s pursuit of 243 began with a burst of intent, reaching 56 for 1 before a familiar warm-up match narrative unfolded – a sudden dip. They quickly found themselves struggling at 86 for 4, seemingly surrendering the initiative. But this script had a twist, embodied by the spirited recovery efforts of Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva.

These two seasoned batters embarked on a valiant partnership, slowly but surely rebuilding the innings. Dilhari, confident and precise, reached a crucial 63 before a rather peculiar incident ended her stay: her bat, fresh from sending the ball over midwicket, decided to perform a solo act, slipping from her hand and hitting the stumps. A dismissal that undoubtedly added to the day`s drama, if not Dilhari`s personal highlight reel.

Nilakshika Silva, unfazed, continued her excellent form, anchoring the chase with a brilliant 75 runs off just 78 deliveries. Her partnership with Dilhari had wrestled back control, and as the death overs approached, Sri Lanka found themselves in a seemingly commanding position: 218 for 5 with 25 runs needed from 24 balls. Victory appeared all but certain.

The Grandstand Finish: Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter`s Last-Gasp Heroics

Yet, in cricket, certainty is a fleeting illusion. The final few overs transformed a comfortable stroll into a frantic sprint, orchestrated by Bangladesh`s left-arm spinner, Nahida Akter. With the game seemingly drifting away, Akter ignited a dramatic collapse, delivering a spell of pure brilliance. In the 47th over, she dismissed both Piumi Wathsala and Anushka Sanjeewani in quick succession, sending shivers down the Sri Lankan dugout. Two overs later, she snared the most prized wicket – that of the well-set Nilakshika Silva – effectively turning the tide in Bangladesh’s favour.

The stage was then set for a truly grandstand finish. Sri Lanka entered the final over needing nine runs, a task that, moments before, felt rudimentary. However, the ball was in the hands of Marufa Akter, who displayed nerves of steel. Under immense pressure, Marufa delivered a phenomenal final over, denying Sri Lanka the runs they needed and claiming three more wickets – including a crucial run-out – to seal an astonishing one-run victory for Bangladesh. The roar from the Bangladesh camp was testament to the sheer magnitude of their triumph.

Momentum Gained: Implications for the World Cup

This pulsating warm-up encounter offers invaluable insights for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Women`s World Cup. For Bangladesh, snatching victory from the jaws of a near-certain defeat against a formidable opponent provides an immense psychological boost. It showcases their ability to perform under extreme pressure and underscores the crucial roles of Sharmin Akhter`s batting prowess and the match-winning contributions of Nahida and Marufa Akter with the ball. This kind of resilience will be invaluable in the challenges ahead.

For Sri Lanka, while the sting of defeat by the narrowest of margins will linger, their valiant chase and the standout performances from Silva and Dilhari offer significant positives. It`s a harsh but valuable lesson in closing out games under pressure, a refinement opportunity that warm-up matches are designed for. As both squads fine-tune their strategies and combinations, this captivating contest in Colombo has served as a thrilling precursor to what promises to be a fiercely competitive global tournament.