Young Tigresses thru Final winning last ball thriller

The Bangladesh Womens Under-19 team reached the final by winning three consecutive matches in the Womens Under-19 Tri-Nation T20 Cricket Tournament 2024.

They secured victory by defeating their Sri Lankan counterparts by one run in a last-ball thriller at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium (SKICS), Coxs Bazar on Sunday.

The hosts chose to bat after winning the toss and posted 114 runs on the board for six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, despite losing four wickets to manage only 28 runs.
Opener Sumaiya Akter Suborna departed for one run, Mst Eva for nine, Arbin Tani for one and skipper Sumaiya Akter for 12 runs.

A 70-run 5th wicket partnership between Rabeya and Afia Asima Era not only tackled the jostle but also laid the foundation for the decent total.

Era was dismissed for 31 off 46 with two boundaries while Rabeya remained unbeaten on 50 off 40 with six rope-kissing shots. Besides, Habiba Islam Pinky scored five runs.

Shashini Gimhani Wejeyarathna, skipper Manudi Dulansa Nanayakkara and Dewmi Vihanga Wijerathne took one wicket each for Sri Lanka.

Chasing 114 runs, the Lankan openers amassed 56 runs together until Wijerathnes dismissal on 30 off 34 with three fours and a six. Her partner Nethmi Poorna Senarathna contributed 27 off 37 with three boundaries.

Batter at three Vishmi Gunarathnas aggressive 26 off 29 with one four and a six took the Lankans almost close to an easy win.

However, after their departure, the match scenario took a u-turn as the Tigress bowlers emerged as unplayable. Among the remaining Sri Lankan batters, Nanayakkara gathered 13, Rashmi Nethranjali three and Shashini Gimhani Wejeyarathna scored one run respectively, as the guests were stopped at 113 for five.

Jannatul Maoua of Bangladesh was entrusted with the ball to defend eight runs in the final over. She conceded seven runs, sending two Lankan batters to the dugout and bringing the nail-biter in their favor.

Maoua, Rabeya, Anisha Akter Soba and Nishita Akter Nishi shared one wicket each for Bangladesh.

Rabeya of Bangladesh Womens Under-19 was named the Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance. She also emerged as the best player in Bangladeshs previous two games.

The girls in Red and Green will face Pakistan on January 31 in the last group match. The final of the event is slated for February 2.