Bangladesh Women endured a 3-0 T20I series whitewash after going down by three runs to Sri Lanka in a rain-reduced third match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
In a contest shortened to nine overs per side, Bangladesh were set a target of 88 but finished on 84 for 6, once again faltering under pressure despite being well placed at key moments of the chase.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 87 for 6, thanks largely to skipper Chamari Athapaththu. The experienced left-hander struck a composed 41 off 27 deliveries, anchoring the innings on a sluggish surface and ensuring her side had a competitive total. She later made an impact with the ball, rounding off an influential all-round display.
Bangladesh’s bowlers performed creditably, with off-spinner Sultana Khatun delivering a standout spell of 3 for 8 from her two overs to keep the visitors in check.
The run chase began cautiously, and although the opening partnership was broken early, Juairia Ferdous and Sobhana Mostari stitched together a lively 30-run stand to revive hopes. Juairia scored 15 off 11 balls, while Sobhana contributed a brisk 21 from 15 deliveries.
However, the momentum shifted after their dismissals. With 32 runs required from the final 20 balls, Bangladesh were still in contention, but regular wickets stalled progress. The equation came down to 14 off the final over.
Captain Nigar Sultana briefly reignited belief with a six off the first ball, only to fall on the very next delivery. Despite late resistance, Bangladesh needed five from the final ball, and a single from Sharmin Sultana sealed another agonising defeat.
Athapaththu, who also claimed two wickets, was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series as Sri Lanka completed a dominant sweep, having won the first two games by 25 and 21 runs.
The hosts lost the preceding the ODI series 2-1.