Dubai, Sept. 7 -- Harshitha Samarawickrama's patient knock helped Sri Lanka overcome a valiant effort from Bangladesh bowlers and secure her side a spot in the women's Asia Cup semifinals with a four-wicket win on Sunday.

After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh were off to a positive start in Dubai, with Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter going at six runs an over till the five-over mark before the former fell to Sugandika Kumari for 14.

Chamudi Praboda lifted Sri Lanka further by accounting for Dilara (26 in 26 balls, with four boundaries) in the seventh over. The middle overs took a turn for the better for the island nation as Kavisha Dilhari trapped Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (4) leg before wicket, as per ICC.

Sobhana M...