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Colombo/Bengaluru, September 28.
Bangladesh and India concluded their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with hard-fought victories in their final warm-up matches.

In Colombo, Bangladesh held their nerve to claim a dramatic one-run win over Sri Lanka, while in Bengaluru, India bounced back strongly from their earlier defeat to England with a convincing four-wicket victory (DLS method) against New Zealand.

Marufa Akter the Hero for Bangladesh

Defending 243 runs, Bangladesh appeared in trouble as Sri Lanka recovered from 86/4 with half-centuries from Kaveesha Dilhari (63) and Nilakshika Silva (75). With the hosts needing just 25 from 24 balls and five wickets in hand, left-arm spinner Nahida Akter (3/28) sparked a collapse by dismissing Piumi Wathsala, Anushka Sanjeewani, and Silva.

The final over saw Marufa Akter hold her nerve, taking three wickets and restricting Sri Lanka to 241 all out, securing a famous win for Bangladesh. Earlier, Sharmin Akhter’s 71 had anchored Bangladesh’s innings of 242/8.

India Back on Track with Confident Win

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, India responded impressively to their loss against England. After rain reduced the match to 42 overs per side, New Zealand posted 232/8, thanks to Sophie Devine (54), Amelia Kerr (40), and Maddy Green (49 not out).

India’s chase was powered by a superb 132-run partnership between Harleen Deol (74 retired out) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (69). Despite a late wobble, India reached 237/6 in 40.2 overs, sealing victory with 10 balls remaining. Shree Charani impressed with the ball, taking 3/49 for India.

Scores in Brief

Bangladesh v Sri Lanka – Colombo Cricket Club Ground

• Bangladesh: 242/8 in 50 overs (Sharmin Akhter 71; Kaveesha Dilhari 2/24)

• Sri Lanka: 241 in 50 overs (Nilakshika Silva 75, Kaveesha Dilhari 63; Nahida Akter 3/28)
  Result: Bangladesh won by 1 run

India v New Zealand – BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

• New Zealand: 232/8 in 42 overs (Sophie Devine 54, Amelia Kerr 40; Shree Charani 3/49)

• India: 237/6 in 40.2 overs (Harleen Deol 74, Harmanpreet Kaur 69; Bree Illing 2/34)
  Result: India won by 4 wickets (DLS method)