SPORTS REPORTER

Riding on skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance, Sri Lanka staged a strong comeback in the three-match WODI series, beating hosts Bangladesh by four wickets in the second match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.

Athapaththu, who missed the opening game due to injury, returned in style, taking 3 for 36 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 165 in 45.5 overs after opting to bat first.

Nigar Sultana Joty top-scored with 58 off 101 balls, while Sharmin Sultana made 25 and Nahida Akter 20, as several batters failed to convert starts.

Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage and Inoka Ranaweera picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost Hasini Perera for five, but Athapaththu struck a quick 40 off 39 balls to steady the chase.

Harshitha Samarawickrama (50) and Hansima Karunaratne (40) shared a 77-run stand that proved decisive.

Nahida Akter fought back with 4 for 21, but Sri Lanka reached 166 for six in 38.2 overs to level the series 1-1.

The third and final match will be played at the same venue on Saturday.