Athapaththu stars in Sri Lanka’s series-levelling victory over Bangladesh

Riding on skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly in the three-match WODI series, defeating hosts Bangladesh by four wickets in the second match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.

Athapaththu, who missed the opening match due to injury -- a game Sri Lanka lost by three wickets -- returned in style, claiming 3-36 to help bowl Bangladesh out for 165 in 45.5 overs after the hosts opted to bat first.

For Bangladesh, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty top-scored with 58 off 101 balls, while Sharmin Sultana and Nahida Akter contributed 25 and 20 runs respectively. Several other batters got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost opener Hasini Perera for five, but Athapaththu kept the innings on track with a brisk 40 off 39 balls.

After her dismissal, Harshitha Samarawickrama (50 off 76) and Hansima Karunaratne (40 off 64) shared a crucial 77-run stand for the fourth wicket, effectively sealing the contest.

Nahida struck late, finishing with 4-21, but her effort was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from reaching 166 for six in 38.2 overs, levelling the series 1-1.

The third and final match of the series will be played at the same venue on Saturday.