Harshitha Samarawickrama’s late assault with the bat handed Bangladesh a four-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their second group stage match of the Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Harshitha remained unbeaten on 48 off 37 balls, as the Lankans reached 115-6 in 19.2 overs to clinch the low-scoring match.

Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter claimed 3-21 while Ritu Moni and Sultana Khatun took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, the Tigresses had posted a meagre 114-8 in their 20 overs with Sobhana Mostary scoring the highest 34 off 41 balls and opener Dilara Akter chipping in with a run-a-ball 26.

Lankan left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda took 3-21.

Defending an under-par target, Bangladesh had the Lankans on the ropes, reducing them to 82-6 in 16.2 overs, leaving them 33 runs to chase off 22 balls.

Harshitha, who was batting on 28 off 30 at the time, then cut loose against Ritu in the 18th over, hitting her for a four and then a six with a slog sweep to take 16 runs off the over.

Skipper Nigar Sultana handed the ball to the experienced off-spinner Nahida Akter for the penultimate over.

She conceded just five off the first five balls, but on the last delivery Harshitha smashed her for a six over long-on, leaving only two runs to get in the final over.

Kaushini Nuthyangana, who remained unbeaten on 11 off eight balls, took a single off the first delivery from Mostary, and the final run came off a leg bye, as a match Bangladesh looked destined to win slipped through their fingers.

Bangladesh had earlier begun their campaign with a commanding 71-run win over Indonesia.

Their final Group B match will be against the UAE on Tuesday, which they must win to progress to the semifinals.