Sri Lanka’s Miracle Over: 4 Wickets in 4 Balls Stuns Bangladesh
In a moment that will be etched into Women’s Cricket World Cup folklore, Sri Lanka pulled off a heart-stopping, seven-run victory over Bangladesh in a match that swung from despair to delirium in the space of just four deliveries. The hero? Captain Chamari Athapaththu, who delivered one of the most dramatic final overs in ODI history—claiming four wickets in four balls to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
From Underdogs to Unforgettable: Sri Lanka’s Historic Win
This wasn’t just any win—it was Sri Lanka’s first-ever victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. After years of near-misses and rebuilding phases, the team finally broke through in the most cinematic fashion imaginable. The Dhaka crowd, initially roaring for a Bangladeshi chase, fell into stunned silence as Athapaththu rewrote the script with her golden arm.
The Turning Point: Athapaththu’s Magic Final Over
Entering the final over, Bangladesh needed just 10 runs with five wickets in hand—a scenario that heavily favored the hosts. But what followed was pure cricketing theatre:
- Ball 1: Clean bowled! Middle stump uprooted.
- Ball 2: LBW appeal upheld—plumb in front.
- Ball 3: Caught at deep midwicket—another one bites the dust.
- Ball 4: Bowled again! Fourth wicket in four balls!
Athapaththu finished with figures of 4/2 in that final over, turning a probable loss into a legendary win. Her composure under pressure reminded fans why she’s not just a captain but a match-winner of the highest order.
Hasini Perera’s Grit: The Foundation of Victory
While the climax stole headlines, the foundation was laid earlier by Hasini Perera, who scored her maiden ODI half-century. Her composed 62 off 89 balls anchored Sri Lanka’s innings after early wobbles, helping the team post a competitive total of 198/8 in 50 overs.
Perera’s knock was a masterclass in patience and placement—especially crucial on a sluggish pitch that offered assistance to spinners. Without her resilience, there would have been no platform for Athapaththu’s late heroics.
Match Snapshot: Key Stats That Tell the Story
| Team | Total | Top Scorer | Best Bowler | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 198/8 (50 overs) | Hasini Perera (62) | Chamari Athapaththu (4/2 in final over) | Won by 7 runs |
| Bangladesh | 191 all out (49.2 overs) | Nigar Sultana (48) | Fahima Khatun (3/38) |
Why This Win Matters for Women’s Cricket in Sri Lanka
Beyond the scoreboard, this victory is a watershed moment for Sri Lankan women’s cricket. It signals a new era of competitiveness and belief. For a team often overshadowed by regional powerhouses, this win—especially in such dramatic fashion—could ignite a generation of young girls to pick up the bat and ball.
It also proves that in modern cricket, no match is over until the last ball. And sometimes, even then, destiny has other plans.
Sources
- Times of India: 4 wickets in 4 balls! Sri Lanka snatch victory from the jaws of defeat vs Bangladesh
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 official match report.