The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 witnessed one of its most breathtaking finishes as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by seven runs in a last-over thriller at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The match ended in high drama after Bangladesh suffered an incredible collapse of four wickets in four balls, allowing Sri Lanka to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Chamari Athapaththu’s final-over brilliance turns the game
Defending a modest total of 203, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a magical spell in the final over when Bangladesh needed just eight runs with four wickets in hand. What followed was pure chaos and brilliance combined – Athapaththu trapped Rabeya Khan leg-before off the very first ball, before a mix-up resulted in Nahida Akter being run out without facing a ball. Athapaththu then dismissed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty (77) on the third delivery.
The drama peaked when Marufa Akter was adjudged LBW off the fourth ball, sealing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Women’s World Cup history. Bangladesh, cruising comfortably at 195/5, collapsed to 195/9, handing Sri Lanka an unforgettable victory.
Athapaththu’s spell of 4 for 42 in 10 overs stood as a testament to her leadership, composure, and world-class ability under pressure.
Hasini Perera’s 85 guides Sri Lanka to competitive total
Earlier in the contest, Sri Lanka posted 202 all out in 48.4 overs, anchored by a superb innings from Hasini Perera, who scored 85 off 99 balls. Her knock held the innings together after early setbacks, with a vital 74-run partnership alongside Nilakshika Silva (37) stabilizing Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Skipper Athapaththu contributed a fluent 46, while Bangladesh bowlers kept things tight throughout. Shorna Akter (3/27) and Rabeya Khan (2/39) impressed with disciplined spells, restricting Sri Lanka from posting a bigger total.
Bangladesh’s heartbreaking collapse ends World Cup dream
Chasing 203, Bangladesh looked in control for most of their innings. Sharmin Akhter (64) and Nigar Sultana (77) anchored the chase brilliantly, taking the team from 44/3 to a commanding position at 126/3. With just 27 runs needed off five overs, Bangladesh seemed destined for victory – until the final-over disaster struck.
SL: 202 (48.4 Ov)
BAN: 195/9 (50 Ov)Sri Lanka Women won by 7 runs#cricket #CWC25 #ODI #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/fCFdGex7Kf
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 20, 2025
A mix of nerves, poor running, and Athapaththu’s brilliance saw the team unravel dramatically. Skipper Nigar Sultana, visibly emotional after the match, admitted:
“It was our game till the end. We had partnerships but lost wickets at crucial moments. We just couldn’t hold our nerve.”
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
