Bangladesh produced a performance rich in resilience and artistry to secure a thumping 6-3 win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday in the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship, roaring back from a two-goal deficit to tighten their grip at the top of the table.
At the Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok, the match began against the run of play for the red-and-green. Bangladesh were stunned early, conceding the opener in the 12th minute when a powerful strike from an unmarked Sri Lanka's took a deflection off Jhili and nestled into the net. The setback deepened four minutes later as Sri Lanka captain capitalised on a neat pass from a teammate to fire home a sublime effort and make it 2-0.
With their backs to the wall, Bangladesh showed the steel that has long defined their rise. Just two minutes later, the revival began. Captain Sabina Khatun, exchanging passes twice with Krishna Rani Sarkar, struck with precision to pull one back and breathe life into the contest. Momentum swung decisively before the break, as Sabina once again found the net in the final minute of the first half, converting Krishna's cut-back from a tight angle near the byline to restore parity at 2-2.
The second half belonged almost entirely to Bangladesh, who played with composure, pace and purpose. Their third goal arrived in the 28th minute through Matsushima Sumaiya, who met Sabina's corner with a left-footed placing shot that rippled the net. The floodgates soon opened. In the 35th minute, Krishna Rani Sarkar applied a gentle touch in front of goal from another Sabina assist to make it 4-2.
Three minutes later, Bangladesh struck again. Sabina's cross from the left was parried by the Sri Lankan goalkeeper, but Masura was quickest to react, calmly placing the rebound home to extend the lead to 5-2.
The sixth goal followed in the final minute, Krishna once more on target after being set up by the ever-influential Sabina. Sri Lanka managed a late consolation goal with just one second remaining, but it did little to alter the narrative of Bangladesh's dominance.
With this victory, Bangladesh move to the top of the standings with 10 points from four matches.
Having turned adversity into opportunity with a display of character and cohesion, Sabina and her teammates continue to set the pace in the league-format tournament, edging ever closer to the championship crown.
