Live Score

SL-W won by 21 runs

4:10 PM IST, 4:40 PM local time: Once again, Bangladesh Women fall short in the run chase. Sri Lanka Women win by 21 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

The hosts seemed to be in the contest for the large part during the second innings. With openers Dilara Akhter and Juairiya Ferdous teeing off, they had an excellent powerplay, returning 46/0. Despite a slow down in the following overs, they were ahead of where the opposition were at the end of the 11th over. And then, they messed up!

Three run outs saw them go from 67/1 to 84/4. Sharmin Akhter, who was scoring at below a-run-a-ball was involved in each of them and remained not out. One must not take anything away from Sri Lanka's fielders. The innings had not started on the right note for them; for they had put down 3 catches in the powerplay. However, some swift ground fielding from Imesha Dulani and Kavisha Dilhari helped them pull things back. Dilhari was also the pick of the bowlers, returning 2/15 off her 4 overs.

Earlier, the first innings also radiated the same vibes. Bangladesh dropped a catch, missed a stumping and squandered a run out chance in the powerplay, allowing Sri Lanka to lay a decent foundation. Chamari Athapaththu got 42 but was not allowed to score freely for the major part. 

However, it was Harshita Samarawickrama's belligerent 29-ball-49 that made the difference. Riding on her scintillating knock, and a little help from Nilakshi de Silva — who scored 22* (18) — Sri Lanka managed 50 runs off the last 4 overs and finished with 154/4. 

For the hosts, Fariha Trisna, who bowled all her 4 overs in one spell up top, returned the best figures of 1/25.

Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh Women Captain): "[Thoughts on the game] I think we bowled really well today. The fielding was outstanding as well. We started very well in the batting. We got a decent run in the powerplay but failed to carry on. In the middle overs, we didn't catch-up with the run rate.

[On the 3 run outs] When we were there, 3 run outs like that, the top order batters will have to take the responsibility.

[Things to look forward to in the final game] We improved from the last game. A big event ahead. We will look to not repeat the same mistakes from the previous game."

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka Women captain): "[What was the difference between the two sides?] Actually, both sides played good cricket in the middle overs. I saw that. In the last game also, Bangladesh played really well. But comparing to both sides, I feel our batting line-up is strong. Bowlers execute their plans and that's the most important thing. We executed the plans and finally, we won.

[On playing with two pacers] We tried few things. That's why we are playing two fast bowlers. The World Cup is in England. The conditions are good for the fast bowlers. So, we went with 2 fast bowlers and 3 spinners. The spinners did a good job. We have an experienced spin attack. We know how to control things. Malki struggled a bit. Also, the young fast bowler bowled really well. She created two chances as well.

[How much do they enjoy fielding?] Especially, when we come to this format, fielding is important and fitness is important. All of the support staff have said that fitness is number one. We try different things in the practice sessions so that we can increase our fitness levels before the World Cup."

Kavisha Dilhari: "(Bowling in pressure situation) I try to execute all my balls well. (On her fielding) I enjoy fielding the ball."

The series has been decided. However, the remaining game will be anything but a dead rubber. Remember, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup is merely 43 days away. Hence, there are plenty of loose ends that both these sides will be looking to fix. 

We hope you enjoyed today's coverage as much as did bringing it to you. Do join us for the 3rd and the final match of the series on Saturday, May 2. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Akshay Bhide and Bishal Mandal saying goodbye! See you soon!