Bangladesh U-19 women finish runners-up after narrow defeat

Bangladesh Under-19 women’s cricket team finished runners-up in the tri-series after suffering a thrilling four-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the final.

Chasing a target of 159, Bangladesh finished agonisingly short despite a late fightback. They needed 29 runs from the final 12 balls, with the equation coming down to 19 in the last over.

Sadia Akter struck a six to raise hopes of a dramatic victory but was dismissed on the fifth ball of the final over. Jannatul hit a four off the last delivery, narrowing the margin but failing to prevent defeat.

Bangladesh made a disastrous start to the chase, losing three wickets for just 21 runs. Captain Sadia Islam and Nishita Akter then steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Sadia Islam scored 59 off 36 balls, hitting five sixes and three fours, while Nishita contributed 32 off 33 deliveries.

After Nishita’s dismissal, Sadia Akter kept Bangladesh in the hunt with an aggressive 35 off 22 balls, including three sixes.

Bangladesh scored 10 runs in the 19th over but lost Farzana, leaving them with a difficult task in the final six deliveries. Despite Sadia Akter’s late assault, they could not cross the finish line.

Earlier, Sri Lanka made a flying start after winning the toss and electing to bat. Openers Sanjana Kavindi and Vimoshka Balasuriya added 49 runs by the fifth over.

Kavindi top-scored with 64 off 44 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, while Balasuriya made 23.

Following the departure of both openers, Nethmi Upeska and Umayananga Peiris helped Sri Lanka maintain the momentum as they posted 158 runs.

For Bangladesh, Farzana Yasmin, Nishi, Jannatul Ferdous and Afrin Mim took one wicket each.

Bangladesh came close to securing the title but had to settle for second place after the narrow loss in the final.