Cricket, they say, is a funny old game — and Monday night’s Women’s World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh proved it in all its madness. Until the final over, Bangladesh had one hand on victory and the other ready to wave Sri Lanka goodbye.
Then, up stepped Chamari Athapaththu. With nine runs needed and five wickets in hand, the lion-hearted skipper took the ball — and rewrote the script. What followed was pure theatre: four wickets in four balls, just two runs conceded, and a seven-run win that left the Lankan camp delirious.
The game of glorious uncertainties had, once again, delivered its most dramatic twist.
Bangladesh Let It Slip
Bangladesh had dominated the contest and were cruising to victory. But cricket, cruel as ever, reminded them how swiftly fortunes turn. They quite literally snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, leaving their dugout stunned and the Lankans reborn.
Sri Lanka’s Progress Beyond the Scoreline
Had Sri Lanka lost on Monday, critics would have pounced, saying little had changed since their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. But that view would miss the deeper story.
Cricket authorities have invested meaningfully in the women’s game — better match fees, a full-time coaching setup and consistent international exposure. Beneath the surface, the pipeline is also strengthening: more schools now field girls’ teams, domestic tournaments are better organised and cricket academies once filled with boys now echo with girls learning their craft.
Beating the Best, Building Belief
Since missing out on the 2022 edition, Sri Lanka’s women have collected some impressive wins — India, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies have all fallen to them. Their Asia Cup T20 triumph remains a shining highlight.
This time, though, fortune turned its back. Drawn against Australia, England and India in their opening fixtures, Sri Lanka competed bravely but dropped chances cost them dearly. Then came the rains — two washouts and a truncated game against South Africa snuffed out their semi-final hopes.
Flaws, but Fight Too
Sri Lanka’s players haven’t been spotless. Dropped catches, soft dismissals and casual running between wickets have hurt them. Yet, one disappointing campaign cannot erase years of effort. Monday’s victory, coming from the brink, was a breath of fresh air — proof of the team’s resilience and spirit.
If they can topple Pakistan in their final outing, Sri Lanka could finish with six points. Even if qualification eludes them, a fifth or sixth-place finish would be a fair reflection of a side on the rise — one that has unearthed new talent, bowled with heart and shown promise that bodes well for the future.
