Sri Lanka held on to defend a modest total of 202, narrowly defeating Bangladesh by seven runs in a pulsating International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup encounter on Monday night.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start. Opener Runya Haider was dismissed in the first over, and Fargana Hoque fell to an arunout in a calamitous mix-up. Sobhana Mostary’s lofted shot was caught at deep mid-wicket, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 44 for three.

The visitors staged a spirited recovery with a patient 82-run partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana. After Akhter’s dismissal, Shorna Akter carried the innings, bringing Bangladesh tantalisingly close with just 27 runs required from 25 balls and six wickets in hand.

With 12 needed from the final over, Bangladesh’s hopes collapsed. Sugandika Kumari bowled a miserly penultimate over, conceding only three runs and taking a crucial wicket. Chamari Athapaththu then delivered a stunning final over, claiming four wickets, including a run out from a direct hit, sealing the win for Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh had started brightly, taking an early wicket with the first ball of the match when Marufa Akter trapped Vishmi Gunaratne LBW, confirmed after a review.