Sports
Samarawickrama's Unbeaten 48 Powers Sri Lanka Into Asia Cup Semis
Sri Lanka secured a place in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals after a tense victory over Bangladesh in Dubai on Sunday, September 6, in a match that swung back and forth before settling in their favor. The win kept Sri Lanka unbeaten through three matches in the tournament.
Batting first, Bangladesh could only muster 114 for 8. Dilara Akter provided a solid start, while Sobhana Mostary top-scored with 34 batting at number three. However, the middle order struggled against spin bowling, stalling the innings. Chamudi Prabodha led Sri Lanka's bowling effort, with support from the rest of the attack, restricting Bangladesh to a modest total.
Despite the low target, Bangladesh fought back strongly with the ball, reducing Sri Lanka to 44 for 5. Harshitha Samarawickrama held firm through the collapse, anchoring the chase despite losing partners at the other end. At the 17-over mark, Bangladesh appeared to have gained control, having restricted Sri Lanka to 86 for 6, leaving them needing 29 runs. At that stage, Samarawickrama was batting on 28 off 30 balls, having survived a standout spell from Marufa Akter, who finished with figures of 3 for 21.
The momentum shifted two balls into the next over when Samarawickrama struck a four, followed immediately by the match's first six, turning the contest in Sri Lanka's favor. The equation came down to 13 runs needed off 12 balls. Bangladesh's position worsened further when a slow over-rate penalty was imposed, restricting them to only three fielders outside the 25-yard circle for the final two overs.
Samarawickrama then hit another six at the end of the 19th over with a powerful straight shot, effectively sealing the match. She remained unbeaten on 48 off 37 balls, with the winning run coming off a leg-bye amid half-hearted lbw appeals from Bangladesh's nervous fielders.
With the result, Bangladesh will now face the UAE in their final group-stage match, a contest that has effectively become a must-win quarter-final for them.