Sri Lanka Overpowers Bangladesh with 33-Run Victory in T20 World Cup Warm-Up

Sri Lanka registered a comprehensive 33-run victory over Bangladesh in a warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with a hat-trick from Sugandika Kumari and key contributions from Hasini Perera and Nilakshika Silva leading the way.

Perera and Silva Lay the Foundation

Sri Lanka’s top order took control early on, as Harshitha Samarawickrama's brisk 29 helped propel the Asia Cup champions to a flying start, with 39 runs coming off the first three overs. Hasini Perera and Nilakshika Silva then anchored the innings, building a crucial 58-run partnership that steered Sri Lanka to a competitive total.

Perera’s 43, alongside Silva’s 30 off 23 balls, ensured Sri Lanka posted 143 for seven in their 20 overs. Bangladesh bowlers, led by Shorna Akter (2/19) and Sultana Khatun (1/10), managed to limit the damage in the death overs, but the early breakthroughs by Sri Lanka had already laid a solid platform.

Kumari’s Hat-Trick Cripples Bangladesh

In their reply, Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum, with their top order unable to break free of Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Shathi Rani’s sluggish strike rate of 66.66 highlighted Bangladesh’s early struggles. Captain Nigar Sultana tried to stabilize the innings with a calm 30 not out, but wickets fell around her.

Sugandika Kumari then delivered a game-changing hat-trick in the 13th over, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order. She removed Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni off consecutive deliveries, before Rabeya Khan was stumped off a wide, sealing Kumari’s remarkable feat. Kumari finished with figures of 3/8, while Inoshi Priyadharshani supported with 2/11.

Despite some late resistance from Disha Biswas, who scored 25, Bangladesh could only muster 110/9 from their 20 overs, falling 33 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total.

Scores in Brief:

Sri Lanka: 143/7 in 20 overs (Hasini Perera 43, Nilakshika Silva 30; Shorna Akter 2/19, Sultana Khatun 1/10)
Bangladesh: 110/9 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 30 not out, Disha Biswas 25; Sugandika Kumari 3/8, Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/11)
Result: Sri Lanka win by 33 runs

Looking Ahead

Sri Lanka will take great confidence from this dominant performance, particularly Kumari’s stunning hat-trick and the solid batting display from Perera and Silva. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup around the corner, Sri Lanka’s all-round display sets a strong tone for their campaign. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their batting frailties ahead of the tournament.