Samarawickrama guides Sri Lanka to women’s Asia Cup semis

**Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team Reach Asia Cup Semi‑Finals After Victory Over Bangladesh**

*Dubai, UAE – 7 September 2026* – Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team secured a place in the semi‑finals of the Asia Cup after a 4‑wicket win against Bangladesh in a 20‑over match played at the Dubai International Stadium.

Bangladesh, who were asked to bat first, posted a total of 114/8 in 20 overs. The innings was led by Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter, who opened at a run‑rate of six per over until the fifth over. Dilara Akter was dismissed for 26 runs (26 balls, four boundaries) by Chamudi Praboda in the seventh over. Sri Lankan bowler Kavisha Dilhari later removed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty (4) leg‑before‑wicket. Sobhana Mostary added 34 runs (41 balls, four boundaries) before being stumped off Praboda. Praboda finished with figures of 3/21, while Shorna Akter was also dismissed by her.

Bangladesh’s innings stalled in the death overs, with Sri Lankan spinners containing the run rate. The final over saw Fahima Khatun score 12 runs, but Bangladesh could only reach 114/8.

In the chase, Sri Lanka lost early wickets to Bangladesh’s pace bowler Marufa Akter, who dismissed Chamari Athapaththu for one and Imesha Dulani for 12. Sanjana Kavindi was also taken by Sultana Khatun. With the score at 82/6 after 16.2 overs, Sri Lanka required 33 runs from the last four overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama, batting at number five, remained not out on 48 runs (37 balls, four boundaries, two sixes). She partnered with Nilakshika Silva to steady the innings, and later dismissed Nilakshika for 18. Samarawickrama finished the chase with a final over that included a four and a six, and a six on the last ball, helping Sri Lanka reach the target with four wickets and four balls to spare.

Sri Lanka’s victory means they advance to the semi‑final stage of the Asia Cup, having won all their group‑stage matches. Bangladesh will face the United Arab Emirates in their next match, where a win could allow them to progress to the knockout stage.

The match was reported by ANI on 7 September 2026.

Article and image source: srilankasource.com