Bangladesh’s epic choke ends semifinal dream in heartbreak

By Harshit - Oct 21, 2025 03:28 PM
Last updated on Oct 21, 2025 03:28 PM

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Women's World Cup in Navi Mumbai, Bangladesh officially became the first team to be knocked out of the semifinal race. They were chasing Sri Lanka's total of 202 and were well placed with six wickets in hand and 12 runs required from 12 balls. Despite the favorable equation, Bangladesh collapsed in a stunning fashion, falling short by seven runs. The match showcased how quickly momentum can shift in cricket and highlighted the immense pressure that comes with chasing under tight circumstances.

The game began with Bangladesh losing an early wicket in just the second over, putting immediate pressure on the side. Sharmin Akter countered with an aggressive approach, hitting a six to relieve some tension. Nigar Sultana joined Sharmin to stabilize the innings, gradually building a partnership that kept Bangladesh in contention. At one stage, the run rate even dipped below three, but the duo kept the scoreboard ticking with calculated shots, giving fans hope that the team could pull off a historic win.

Bangladesh seemed to have regained full control midway through the innings. Sharmin and Sultana rotated the strike efficiently while keeping wickets in hand. With the target down to 27 off 30 balls, all signs pointed to a straightforward victory. However, the pressure of the final overs, combined with some exceptional bowling from Sri Lanka’s Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu, caused a dramatic collapse that left Bangladesh stunned and eliminated from the semifinals.

The Collapse Unfolds

Bangladesh's innings began cautiously, but the early run-out of Fargana Hoque for just 7 runs at 44/3 threatened to derail the chase. Sharmin Akter and Nigar Sultana then took responsibility, guiding Bangladesh through a tense period. The pair batted sensibly, managing the required run rate and keeping wickets in hand. At the halfway mark, Bangladesh were 73 runs, slowly gaining momentum as Sharmin struck a couple of boundaries off Chamari Athapaththu.

As the innings progressed, Bangladesh’s confidence appeared to grow. Sultana settled in and began rotating strike effectively, while Shorna Akter joined to add stability. Bangladesh brought the target down to a highly achievable 27 off 30 balls with six wickets in hand. Yet, the final overs proved catastrophic. A mix of misjudged shots, exceptional bowling, and pressure culminated in the team losing multiple wickets in quick succession, turning a certain win into a dramatic defeat.

The final over was the stage for one of the most remarkable collapses in Women's World Cup history. Sugandika Kumari first picked up a wicket, bringing the target down to 9 off 6 balls. Chamari Athapaththu then bowled the last over, and with three wickets falling in just four balls, Bangladesh’s chase fell apart completely. Rabeya Khan was adjudged LBW on the first ball, Nahida Akter sacrificed her wicket to get Sultana on strike, and eventually, a mistimed shot from Sultana sealed Bangladesh’s fate. Even Sharmin Akter returning to bat could not change the outcome.

Bangladesh's Missed Opportunity

Bangladesh had a historic opportunity to secure their first-ever ODI win over Sri Lanka, and the team showed promise throughout the innings. Sharmin Akter’s aggressive batting and Nigar Sultana’s calculated innings were central to keeping the chase alive. The duo’s partnership highlighted Bangladesh’s potential in high-pressure situations, demonstrating their ability to compete against experienced opponents in crucial matches.

Unfortunately, the team’s inability to close out the match under pressure overshadowed the good work done earlier. The late collapse emphasized the importance of composure, shot selection, and decision-making in the death overs. It was a painful reminder that cricket often hinges on just a few deliveries, and that even a small lapse in concentration can completely alter the result, turning a near-certain victory into a heartbreaking defeat.

This missed chance will be a tough lesson for Bangladesh’s young players, who now have to regroup and reflect on what went wrong. The experience, though bitter, will be crucial in building mental toughness for future tournaments. Despite the disappointment, the innings showed glimpses of the team’s capabilities, particularly the middle-order resilience and the ability to construct partnerships under pressure.

Sri Lanka's Resilience

Sri Lanka’s performance, by contrast, showcased composure and strategic brilliance under pressure. After losing Vishmi Gunaratne on the first ball, they quickly stabilized with Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera taking control. Athapaththu’s boundaries and Perera’s steady accumulation of runs allowed Sri Lanka to post a competitive total of 202. Even after losing key wickets, the middle-order partnerships ensured that Sri Lanka remained in a commanding position.

Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership with both bat and ball was crucial in the context of the game. Her ability to bowl the final over under immense pressure and take three crucial wickets in quick succession highlighted her experience and temperament. Sugandika Kumari’s early breakthroughs also helped keep Bangladesh in check. The collective effort from Sri Lanka demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and resilience, all of which proved decisive in the final outcome.

By surviving and winning this match, Sri Lanka has kept their semifinal hopes alive in the tournament. They managed to capitalize on the psychological pressure faced by Bangladesh in the final overs, turning a seemingly lost position into a memorable victory. The performance will boost the confidence of the squad as they look forward to the remaining matches, ensuring they remain competitive for the fourth semifinal spot.

Looking Ahead

For Bangladesh, the defeat means an early exit from the semifinal race, prompting reflection on missed opportunities and the importance of handling pressure in crunch situations. The team will now focus on building mental resilience and improving finishing skills in future tournaments. While the journey in the 2025 Women's World Cup ends here, the experience gained from such high-pressure encounters is invaluable for the squad’s development.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, now has renewed hope of securing a semifinal berth. The team demonstrated composure under pressure and ability to capitalize on crucial moments, traits that will be vital in the upcoming matches. Players like Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera have shown their ability to influence games decisively, making them key figures to watch as the tournament progresses.

The thrilling nature of this match underscores why cricket remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting sports. Bangladesh’s heartbreak and Sri Lanka’s resilience provide lessons in handling pressure, maintaining focus, and the thin margins that separate victory from defeat in high-stakes tournaments.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 202 in 48.4 overs (Hasini Perera 85, Chamari Athapaththu 46; Shorna Akter 3/27) beat Bangladesh 195/9 in 50 overs (Nigar Sultana 77, Sharmin Akter 64*; Chamari Athapaththu 4/42) by 7 runs.

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