Bangladesh women got off to a great start by defeating the visiting Sri Lankan women’s team by 3 wickets in the 1st One-Day International match of the series at the Rajshahi Division Stadium. After Ritu Moni took 3 wickets with the ball, Sharmin’s brilliant fifty with the bat gave Bangladesh a great victory. With this victory, Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.

After winning the toss, Sri Lankan women elected to bat. They collected 205 runs for 9 wickets with the help of fifties from Imesa Dulani and Hansima. Dulani scored 52 and Hansima scored 54 runs. In addition, Kavisa Dilhari scored 30 runs from the bat.

Bangladesh’s Ritu Moni took 3 wickets for 36 runs, Nahida Akhtar took 2 wickets and Marufa, Sultana, Rabeya and Sobhana took 1 wicket each.

In reply, the Tigers won by 3 wickets with 9 balls to spare, riding on Sharmin Akhtar’s 86 runs.

Sobhanara Mostari scored 41 and Swarna Akhtar scored 35 runs.

Deomi Vihanga took 3 wickets for the Sri Lankans.

Sharmin Akhtar of Bangladesh was adjudged the Man of the Match.

The second match of the series will be played on Wednesday at the same stadium.