Harshitha sinks Tigresses as Sri Lanka seal semifinal spot

Bangladesh staged a spirited fightback with the ball at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, but Harshitha Samarawickrama's brilliant unbeaten 37-ball 48 carried Sri Lanka to a four-wicket win and into the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals.

The Tigresses, who could muster only 114 for eight, now face a must-win clash against UAE on Tuesday, with victory set to seal their place in the semifinals.

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Defending a modest target, Bangladesh struck early through Marufa Akter, who removed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for one before also dismissing Imesha Dulanai. Sultana Khatun and Ritu Moni then joined the wicket-taking act to put Sri Lanka under pressure.

Fahima Khatun, excellent in the field, added to the drama with a direct hit to run out Kavisha Dilhari as Sri Lanka slumped to 44 for five.

But Harshitha, who came into bat at five, alongside Nilakshika Silva launched the recovery, putting on 38 runs to drag Sri Lanka back into the contest. Marufa returned to castle Nilakshika after a 23-ball 18 and finished with impressive figures of three for 21, but Harshitha stood firm.

With Sri Lanka needing eight off seven balls, Harshitha launched Nahida Akter over long-on for six to put her side firmly in control. Sri Lanka then completed the chase in the final over with four balls to spare.

Earlier, Bangladesh had made an encouraging start with Dilara Akter striking a run-a-ball 26 and Juairiya Ferdous contributing 14 off 10. But the innings quickly lost momentum when the two openers fell in quick succession, before skipper Nigar Sultana Joty followed after a disappointing nine-ball four.

Sobhana Mostary attempted to hold the innings together with a 41-ball 34, but Bangladesh failed to find the late acceleration they desperately needed and finished on 114 for eight.

The defeat means Bangladesh must beat UAE on Tuesday to reach the semifinals, where they will face India.