The Women’s World Cup 2025 heats up in Navi Mumbai as Bangladesh chase their first-ever ODI win against Sri Lanka, with both sides fighting to stay alive in the race for the semi-finals.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka enter their crucial World Cup clash with two points apiece, yet their journeys to this point have been strikingly different. For Sri Lanka, the points came from washed-out games in Colombo. They now head to the hot and humid conditions of Navi Mumbai for their final leg, still holding an outside chance of breaking into the top four. Bangladesh, meanwhile, started brightly with a victory over Pakistan but have faltered since, coming close against stronger sides but failing to cross the line.
Though Bangladesh have never beaten Sri Lanka in ODIs, their potent spin attack offers real hope this time. The stakes could not be higher: whoever loses this match will be knocked out of semi-final contention. The head-to-head record gives Sri Lanka the edge, with two wins and two matches washed out, but Bangladesh see this as their chance to change history.
Bangladesh’s batting frailties remain their biggest concern, but their bowlers—especially the spinners—have troubled even the best line-ups. Against Australia, however, their limitations were exposed as the defending champions chased down 199 with ease and ten wickets in hand. Sobhana Mostary has been the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring two impressive half-centuries against Australia and England. Her ability to rotate strike and attack selectively has provided stability at No. 5. With the return of fast bowler Marufa Akter, rested in their last match, Bangladesh will look to strengthen their bowling arsenal.
For Sri Lanka, inconsistency has been their greatest enemy. Batters have shown promise with strong starts, only to lose wickets in clusters. Their washed-out match against New Zealand offered hope after they posted 258, but rain denied them the chance to defend. In this game, Sri Lanka’s ability to handle Bangladesh’s spinners will be critical. Harshitha Samarawickrama, a key figure at No. 4, needs to convert her starts into big scores. Her failure to kick on in recent games has hurt Sri Lanka, and much will depend on her anchoring the innings. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, as always, remains their trump card.
A concern for Sri Lanka is the fitness of opener Vishmi Gunaratne, who was stretchered off with a knee injury against South Africa. Although she bravely returned to score 34, her availability could be decisive. Head coach Rumesh Ratnayake has confirmed she is fit for selection, providing a boost to the batting order.
Both teams know this is a do-or-die encounter. For Bangladesh, even a top-five finish in their second ODI World Cup would be historic. For Sri Lanka, it is about living up to expectations and keeping their semi-final hopes alive. With spinners set to dominate, the battle in Navi Mumbai promises high drama, as two evenly matched sides fight for survival in the tournament.
