Bangladesh keep final hopes alive

Bangladesh Women 71 for 4 (Ayesha Akhter 24, Siriwardene 2-16) beat Sri Lanka Women 67 (Silva 26, Shamima Akhter 3-23) by six wickets
Scorecard

Bangladesh handed Sri Lanka their first defeat of the tri-series to set up a virtual semi-final clash against Pakistan on Saturday. Sri Lanka, who had won three games in a row, were routed for 67, a target which Bangladesh chased with six wickets in hand and 111 balls to spare.

Bangladesh used four bowlers, all of whom picked up wickets. Panna Ghosh struck the first blow, trapping Chamari Polgampola lbw in the fifth over, and Shamima Akhter bowled Hiruka Fernando to reduce Sri Lanka to 25 for 2. Sri Lanka were dealt a body blow when two of their middle-order batsmen were run out after which the tail folded meekly, four of the last five batsmen were out for duck.

The hosts' chase began badly when Shatira Jakir was lbw to Polgampola for a 13-ball duck but steady contributions from Ayesha Akhter, who top scored with 24, Ghosh and captain Salma Khatun secured the victory.

Sri Lanka have already qualified for the final of the tournament and will be joined by the winner of tomorrow's contest between Pakistan and the hosts, both of whom are on five points each.

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR	For	Against
Sri Lanka Women	4	3	1	0	0	15	+1.160	590/164.4	401/165.3
Bangladesh Women	3	1	2	0	0	5	-0.507	315/131.3	388/133.4
Pakistan Women	3	1	2	0	0	5	-1.079	305/117.4	421/114.4