What's the story
Bangladesh batters Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana hit half-centuries against Sri Lanka in Match 21 of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025.
Bangladesh were 44/3 at one stage before Sharmin and Sultana steadied the ship with a key partnership.
Sharmin was forced to retire hurt after getting to 64. Sultana carried on.
However, their efforts went in vain as Bangladesh lost a low-scoring thriller.

Summary
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh fall short
With Sharmin getting retired hurt, Sultana found company in Shorna Akter as Bangladesh were going along nicely in a chase of 203.
Akter's dismissal was key (176/4) in the 46th over. With nine needed in the final over, Bangladesh lost the plot.
They lost wickets in 4 successive balls, which included Sultana's dismissal.
Sharmin returned for the final ball and failed to score (195/9).

Stats
Key stats of the two batters
Sharmin scored a patient 64*-run knock from 103 balls. Her knock had four fours and a six.
She has got to 1,305 runs from 52 matches at 26.63. This was her 10th fifty.
On the other hand, Sultana managed 77 runs from 98 balls, hitting 6 fours.
The Bangladesh skipper has amassed 1,465 runs at 27.64. This was her 8th fifty (100s: 1).