Rajshahi Divisional Stadium has officially begun its journey as Bangladesh’s 13th international cricket venue, hosting its first-ever international match on Monday morning. The opening fixture of the three-match Women’s One Day International (ODI) series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marks the stadium’s entry into international cricket.
Sri Lanka Women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bat first. At the time of reporting, Sri Lanka had reached 149 runs for the loss of three wickets after 33 overs.
Although Rajshahi Divisional Stadium has previously hosted age-group and Bangladesh Emerging team matches, this is the first occasion on which two full national sides are competing in an official international fixture at the venue. The ongoing ODI series therefore represents the stadium’s debut at senior international level.
The three-match ODI series is being entirely staged in Rajshahi. The remaining fixtures are scheduled for 22 April and 25 April, respectively. Following the completion of the ODI series, both teams are expected to travel to Sylhet, where they are scheduled to contest a three-match Twenty20 International series, according to the tour programme.
Match and series overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Rajshahi Divisional Stadium |
| Occasion | 1st ODI, Women’s series |
| Teams | Bangladesh Women vs Sri Lanka Women |
| Toss winner | Sri Lanka Women |
| Decision | Bat first |
| Sri Lanka captain | Chamari Athapaththu |
| Sri Lanka score (live) | 149/3 in 33 overs |
| ODI series format | Three matches |
| ODI venues | All matches in Rajshahi |
| Remaining ODIs | 22 April, 25 April |
| Next series | Three T20Is in Sylhet |
The inclusion of Rajshahi Divisional Stadium in international fixtures expands Bangladesh’s list of recognised international cricket venues to thirteen. The ground’s debut is taking place through women’s international cricket, with both teams engaged in a bilateral ODI series that remains confined to a single venue before moving on to the T20 International segment in Sylhet.
The series structure allocates three consecutive ODIs in Rajshahi, ensuring that the venue hosts the entirety of the 50-over leg. This is followed by a transition to the northern city of Sylhet, where the teams are scheduled to compete in three Twenty20 Internationals as part of the same tour arrangement.
At the time of the latest update, Sri Lanka Women had progressed to 149 runs for the loss of three wickets after 33 overs, following their decision to bat first after winning the toss. The match continues as part of the opening fixture of the series.