SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap starts with a bang—or rather, a first-ball wicket that set the tone for one of the most dramatic games in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Imagine this: Bangladesh needs just 12 runs from the last 12 balls with six wickets in hand. Victory seems inevitable. But in a stunning twist, they crumble, losing five wickets in nine deliveries, falling short by seven runs.
Sri Lanka, led by the indomitable Chamari Athapaththu, pulls off a heist that keeps their semifinal dreams flickering while officially knocking Bangladesh out of contention. This low-scoring nail-biter at Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on October 20, 2025, wasn’t just cricket; it was pure drama, heartbreak, and resilience rolled into 100 overs.
For cricket fans tuning into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 highlights, this match epitomizes why women’s cricket is captivating global audiences. Sri Lanka Women (SLW) posted 202 all out, thanks to Hasini Perera’s gritty maiden ODI fifty. Bangladesh Women (BANW), chasing 203, looked in control with Nigar Sultana’s fighting 77, but nerves got the better of them. As Athapaththu herself said post-match, “We handled the pressure till the last over.” This result shakes up the points table, with Sri Lanka clinging to hope and Bangladesh left to rue what could have been.
Match Context and Stakes
In the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, both teams entered this clash desperate for points. Sri Lanka had endured three losses and two no-results (against Australia and New Zealand), sitting precariously with just two points from washouts. Bangladesh, after an opening win over Pakistan, had suffered four straight defeats, including narrow losses to England and South Africa. The loser here would be the first team eliminated from the semifinal race—a high-stakes showdown that lived up to the billing.
Played under lights in a day-night format, the game highlighted the growing parity in women’s ODIs. As per reports from ESPNcricinfo, this was the second thriller in two days, following a tight contest elsewhere in the tournament. Bangladesh’s history of close calls added tension; they’d lost heartbreakers before, but this one stung deepest. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, drew on their Asia Cup triumph earlier in the year for inspiration.
How did Bangladesh snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? Was it Athapaththu’s genius or Bangladesh’s mental fragility? We’ll dive deeper, but first, let’s set the scene.
Venue and Toss Details
The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, with its 60,000 capacity and batsman-friendly pitch, hosted this pivotal encounter. Known for ends like Media End and Pavilion End, the venue has seen high scores, but spin played a big role here, assisting slower bowlers as the match progressed. Weather was clear—no rain interruptions, unlike Sri Lanka’s previous games.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a defendable total on a surface that might slow down later. Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, would have preferred batting second to chase under lights. Umpires Candace la Borde and Sarah Dambanevana officiated, with Lauren Agenbag as third umpire and Shandre Fritz as referee.
Broadcast details for Indian viewers: Streaming on JioHotstar, TV on Star Sports Network. Global fans caught ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 highlights on official ICC channels, including YouTube clips of key moments like Athapaththu’s final over.
This setup promised a balanced contest, but little did we know the fireworks awaiting in the death overs. Teaser: Sri Lanka’s innings was a mix of fireworks and flops—read on for the full breakdown.
For more on the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 points table, check our internal guide here. Official ICC report: ICC Match Center.
Sri Lanka Women’s Innings Recap
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap wouldn’t be complete without dissecting Sri Lanka’s batting effort—a tale of explosive starts, solid partnerships, and a mid-innings meltdown that nearly cost them. Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka aimed for 250+ on a decent Navi Mumbai pitch but stumbled to 202 all out in 48.4 overs. Hasini Perera’s career-best 85 anchored the innings, but collapses bookended their effort, highlighting tactical flaws like poor strike rotation against spin.
Explosive Powerplay Start
Sri Lanka’s innings kicked off with a shock. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne was trapped LBW first ball by Marufa Akter—decision upheld on review, sending ripples through the dugout. But captain Chamari Athapaththu, in vintage form, launched a counterattack. Smashing six fours and two sixes, she raced to 46 off 43, reaching her 4000th ODI run milestone. Alongside Hasini Perera, they built a 72-run second-wicket stand in 75 balls, powering Sri Lanka to 64/1 in the mandatory Powerplay (0.1-10 overs).
As per BBC Sport, Athapaththu looked “unfazed” by Bangladesh’s attack, laying into Nahida Akter with boundaries at will. By the 8.4-over mark, Sri Lanka had 50 runs, the run rate hovering near 6. Perera, playing her 143rd ODI, chipped in with steady scoring, focusing on off-stump coverage to exploit width. Drinks at 12.4 overs saw them at 72/2, but Athapaththu’s LBW to Rabeya Khan (review lost) against the run of play pulled the brakes.
Middle-Order Partnerships
Post-Athapaththu, Hasini Perera took charge, reaching her maiden ODI fifty off 65 balls (8×4, 1×6)—a shining light in a disjointed effort, as noted by ESPNcricinfo. A brief 15-run stand with Harshitha Madavi (4 off 11) ended in a needless run-out, Madavi short by a meter after calling for a non-existent second.
At 87/3 in 16.4 overs, Kavisha Dilhari (4 off 6) joined Perera, but her dismissal was bizarre—a chop deflected off the ground, hit keeper Sultana, and bobbled onto the stumps. Third umpire’s Smart Replay confirmed her back foot lifted momentarily, stumping upheld. Sri Lanka slumped to 100/4 in 19.1 overs.
Enter Nilakshi de Silva (37 off 38, 1×4, 2×6), who partnered Perera for a vital 74-run fifth-wicket stand in 75 balls. This phase was fluent, with boundaries flowing—nine in total, including three sixes. Sri Lanka reached 150 in 28.1 overs and 155/4 at drinks (29 overs). Perera’s knock peaked at 85, looking set for a ton, but the pair’s lack of singles (run rate barely over 6 despite boundaries) hinted at issues.
Dramatic Collapse and Tail Resistance
From 174/4 in 31.4 overs, disaster struck. Shorna Akter, introduced late, sparked a collapse: de Silva caught at short third, Anushka Sanjeewani (2 off 7) caught and bowled, Sugandika Kumari (1 off 4) LBW (upheld on review). Perera fell LBW to Shorna for 85 (review lost), leaving Sri Lanka at 182/8 in 35.3 overs—a loss of 4 wickets for 8 runs in three overs.
The tail showed grit, a point emphasized in Olympics.com’s report: Udeshika Prabodhani (8 off 37) and Malki Madara (9 off 42) added 18 in 73 balls, scraping every run. Inoka Ranaweera (2* off 4) helped reach 200 in 47.3 overs before Madara’s run-out ended the innings at 202/10.
Bangladesh’s fielding was sloppy—missed run-outs and stumpings—but reviews were sharp (three successful). As Perera reflected in her Player of the Match interview (via ICC): “I just covered my off stump a little more today… I think I should’ve finished the innings for another 30-40 runs.”
Tactical note: Sri Lanka dotted too many balls (60% in middle overs) against spin, failing to rotate strike. Run rate fluctuations: Powerplay 6.4, middle overs dipped to 4, tail crawled at 2.7.
What caused the slump? Over-reliance on boundaries or Bangladesh’s spin trap? Share your thoughts in the comments—did Sri Lanka underperform or were Bangladesh brilliant?
Key Bowling Performances by Bangladesh
Shorna Akter starred with 3/27 in 10 overs (4 maidens, ECO 2.70), running through the middle order. Here’s a table of Bangladesh’s bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marufa Akter | 5.4 | 0 | 36 | 1 | 6.40 |
| Nishita Akter Nishi | 10 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 3.50 |
| Nahida Akter | 7 | 1 | 30 | 1 | 4.30 |
| Rabeya Khan | 9 | 1 | 39 | 2 | 4.30 |
| Ritu Moni | 6 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Shorna Akter | 10 | 4 | 27 | 3 | 2.70 |
| Sobhana Mostary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.00 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0/1 | 0.1 | Vishmi Gunaratne |
| 2 | 72/2 | 12.4 | Chamari Athapaththu |
| 3 | 87/3 | 16.4 | Harshitha Madavi |
| 4 | 100/4 | 19.1 | Kavisha Dilhari |
| 5 | 174/5 | 31.4 | Nilakshi de Silva |
| 6 | 178/6 | 33.2 | Anushka Sanjeewani |
| 7 | 181/7 | 34.2 | Sugandika Kumari |
| 8 | 182/8 | 35.3 | Hasini Perera |
| 9 | 200/9 | 47.4 | Udeshika Prabodhani |
| 10 | 202/10 | 48.4 | Malki Madara |
Partnerships (key ones):
- 2nd: 72 runs (Athapaththu 46, Perera 24)
- 5th: 74 runs (Perera 37, de Silva 37)
- 9th: 18 runs (Prabodhani 8, Madara 9)
For a visual, imagine an infographic showing run rate drop from 6 in Powerplay to under 3 in the collapse phase. This innings set up a chaseable target, but Sri Lanka’s tail resistance proved golden.
ESPNcricinfo report: Full Innings Analysis.
Bangladesh Women’s Innings Recap
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Highlights often feature chases gone wrong, and Bangladesh’s pursuit of 203 was a masterclass in caution turning to catastrophe. Starting steadily but overplaying their hand, they reached 195/9 in 50 overs, falling agonizingly short by seven runs. Nigar Sultana’s 77 anchored the innings, but a final-over meltdown—four wickets in four balls—sealed their fate, eliminating them from semis.
Cautious Powerplay and Early Wickets
Bangladesh’s chase began conservatively, mindful of early batting collapses in prior games. Rubya Haider (0 off 5) edged to keeper Anushka Sanjeewani off Udeshika Prabodhani in the second over—23/1 in Powerplay (0.1-10 overs). Fargana Hoque (7 off 35) followed, run out in a mix-up with Sharmin Akhter, leaving them 24/2 in 10.2 overs.
Sobhana Mostary (8 off 13) and Sharmin (64* off 103) added 20 before Mostary’s catch off Sugandika Kumari at 44/3 in 15.3 overs. As Economic Times noted, Bangladesh were “guilty of being overly cautious,” with run rate dipping below 3. Drinks at 15.3 saw them reeling, but revival loomed.
Key Partnerships and Revival
Sharmin Akhter and captain Nigar Sultana turned the tide with an 82-run fourth-wicket stand in 121 balls. Sharmin, breaking shackles with a six, reached 50 off 81 balls (4×4, 1×6). Sultana, joining at 44/3, grew into her 77 off 98 (6×4), passing 50 off 72. Bangladesh hit 100 in 29.6 overs and 109/3 at drinks (32 overs).
Sharmin retired hurt with cramp at 126/3 (35.3 overs), disrupting flow as required rate neared 6. Sultana and Shorna Akter (19 off 27) added 50 in 58 balls, bringing it to 27 off 30 with seven wickets left. At 176/4 (45.1, Shorna caught behind off Athapaththu), it was 12 off 12 with six wickets—victory in sight.
Nerve-Wracking Final Overs Collapse
Then, madness. Sugandika Kumari’s tight 49th over yielded a wicket (Ritu Moni bowled for 7), leaving 9 off 6. Athapaththu, opting to bowl the last over herself (over Prabodhani), delivered magic: Rabeya Khan LBW first ball (review lost), Nahida Akter run out sacrificing for Sultana, Sultana caught at mid-on going big, Marufa Akter LBW first ball. Sharmin returned but couldn’t score—195/9.
As per Geo Super, “Bangladesh just folded.” Sultana’s tears in the dugout captured the heartbreak, per News18. Tactical critique: Over-caution built pressure; no boundaries in the end when needed.
Could Sharmin’s return have changed things? Or was Athapaththu’s over unbeatable? Vote in our poll: Who was the hero—Athapaththu or Perera?
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Masterclass
Athapaththu led with 4/42, her final over a game-stealer. Table of Sri Lanka’s bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malki Madara | 7 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 2.70 |
| Udeshika Prabodhani | 7 | 1 | 29 | 1 | 4.10 |
| Sugandika Kumari | 9 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 4.20 |
| Inoka Ranaweera | 10 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 4.20 |
| Chamari Athapaththu | 10 | 0 | 42 | 4 | 4.20 |
| Kavisha Dilhari | 7 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 3.60 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2/1 | 1.5 | Rubya Haider |
| 2 | 24/2 | 10.2 | Fargana Hoque |
| 3 | 44/3 | 15.3 | Sobhana Mostary |
| 4 | 176/4 | 45.1 | Shorna Akter |
| 5 | 193/5 | 48.4 | Ritu Moni |
| 6 | 194/6 | 49.1 | Rabeya Khan |
| 7 | 194/7 | 49.2 | Nahida Akter |
| 8 | 194/8 | 49.3 | Nigar Sultana |
| 9 | 194/9 | 49.4 | Marufa Akter |
Partnerships:
- 4th: 82 runs (Sharmin 39, Sultana 36)
- 5th: 50 runs (Sultana 31, Shorna 19)
Final over sequence:
- Rabeya LBW
- Nahida run out
- Sultana caught
- Marufa LBW
Watch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 SLW vs BANW final over highlights on YouTube.
Key Performances, Turning Points, and Tactical Analysis
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap shines a spotlight on standout players who turned the tide. Hasini Perera’s maiden fifty earned her Player of the Match, but Chamari Athapaththu’s all-round heroics stole headlines. Let’s break down the stars, pivotal moments, tactics, and stats that defined this ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 thriller.
Standout Players from Both Teams
- Hasini Perera (SLW): 85 off 99 (13×4, 1×6). In her 143rd ODI, she crossed 1000 runs, stabilizing after early wickets. Perera’s grit was key; as she told ICC, “It’s a very important innings for me and my team.”
- Chamari Athapaththu (SLW): 46 off 43 & 4/42. The captain’s batting milestone (4000 ODI runs) and death bowling (three wickets in final over) were match-winning. A true all-rounder, per Olympics.com.
- Nigar Sultana (BANW): 77 off 98 (6×4). Anchored the chase with poise, but her mistimed shot ended hopes. Emerging as a leader, despite tears.
- Shorna Akter (BANW): 3/27 & 19. The 17-year-old’s spin wrecked Sri Lanka’s middle; an emerging star, as praised by Sultana: “How she’s been bowling has been incredible.”
Underperformers: Bangladesh’s top order (15 runs combined); Sri Lanka’s middle (post-Perera slump).
Player profiles: Athapaththu, 30, Asia Cup hero; Perera, veteran grinder; Shorna, teen sensation with potential.
Pivotal Turning Points
- First ball: Gunaratne’s LBW sparks Athapaththu’s charge.
- 100/4: Dilhari’s freak stumping via Smart Replay shifts momentum.
- 174/4 to 182/8: Shorna’s triple strike collapses Sri Lanka.
- Sharmin’s retirement hurt: At 126/3, disrupts Bangladesh’s rhythm.
- Final over: Athapaththu’s 4 wickets in 4 balls—a heist, as Geo Super called it.
From BBC: “Bangladesh needed nine from six… but lost four in four.”
Tactical Insights and Mistakes
Spin dominated: 86/98 overs bowled by spinners. Sri Lanka’s batter-light XI (extra seamer) backfired in collapse; poor rotation (many dots) against Bangladesh’s tight lines. Bangladesh’s caution (run rate <3 midway) built unnecessary pressure, per Economic Times: “Overly cautious… inched along.”
Fielding lapses: Bangladesh missed chances but nailed reviews. Mental aspect: Bangladesh’s pressure-handling faltered, echoing prior losses. Sri Lanka’s tail strategy—bat time over runs—added vital 20.
What if Sharmin didn’t retire? Or Athapaththu didn’t bowl last? Scenarios suggest Bangladesh wins 8/10 times without the choke.
Statistical Deep Dive
Batting Stats Table (Top Scorers):
| Team | Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLW | Hasini Perera | 85 | 99 | 13 | 1 | 85.86 |
| SLW | Chamari Athapaththu | 46 | 43 | 6 | 2 | 106.98 |
| SLW | Nilakshi de Silva | 37 | 38 | 1 | 2 | 97.37 |
| BANW | Nigar Sultana | 77 | 98 | 6 | 0 | 78.57 |
| BANW | Sharmin Akhter | 64* | 103 | 4 | 1 | 62.14 |
| BANW | Shorna Akter | 19 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 70.37 |
Extras: SLW 4, BANW 11.
Comparisons: Perera’s 85 vs Sultana’s 77—both anchors, but Perera’s faster.
Bowling Economy: Shorna’s 2.70 best; Athapaththu’s 4.20 with impact wickets.
ICC stats: ICC Stats Hub.
Post-Match Reactions, Tournament Impact, and Highlights Reel
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Highlights from this match are buzzing online, with Athapaththu’s over going viral. Post-game, emotions ran high—Sultana soaked in sorrow, Sri Lanka jubilant. Let’s unpack reactions, standings shake-up, and must-watch moments.
Captains’ and Players’ Reactions
Chamari Athapaththu (SLW): “We made mistakes as a batting unit… but after Joty got out, I knew the game was going our way. I spoke to Udeshika; she said, ‘You’re in the mood, you bowl.'” (via ICC)
Nigar Sultana (BANW): “From the beginning, it was our game… Momentum shifted when Sharmin went off. Heartbreaking. We can’t take this pressure; it’s a mental thing.” (per News18)
Hasini Perera: “Very happy with the win… Our bowlers and fielders did really well.” (Player of the Match, ICC)
From X posts: Fans lamented Bangladesh’s choke, with one saying, “12 in 12 with 6 wickets—how?” (Times of Sports). Another praised Shorna: “Incredible bowling.” (Geo Super)
Impact on Points Table and Standings
This win gives Sri Lanka 4 points (1W, 3L, 2NR, NRR -1.035), level with India and New Zealand for fourth spot. They face Pakistan next (Oct 24)—a must-win for miracle semis. Bangladesh, at 2 points (1W, 5L, NRR -0.578), are out, playing India (Oct 26) for pride.
Points Table (as of Oct 21, 2025):
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1.818 |
| 2 | England | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1.490 |
| 3 | South Africa | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | -0.440 |
| 4 | India | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0.526 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -0.245 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | -1.035 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | -0.578 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -1.887 |
Australia leads; bottom four battle for one spot.
Must-Watch Highlights Moments
- Athapaththu’s sixes in Powerplay.
- Dilhari’s freak stumping.
- Perera’s fifty celebration.
- Sultana’s calm fifty.
- Final over chaos—four wickets!
ICC video: Sri Lanka’s Sensational Win.
From YouTube: Clips like “Sri Lanka script blockbuster win” (ICC) have millions of views.
Lessons for Future Matches
Bangladesh: Work on mental resilience, death-over batting. Sri Lanka: Improve strike rotation, avoid collapses. Tournament-wide: Close games boost women’s cricket appeal.
How does this affect your semifinal predictions? Comment below!
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Final Thoughts
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap wraps up a unforgettable ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 thriller—Sri Lanka’s stunning 7-run victory over Bangladesh, fueled by Perera’s heroics and Athapaththu’s magic. From first-ball drama to last-over heartbreak, this game had it all, underscoring women’s cricket’s excitement. Bangladesh’s lessons from defeat: Build mental strength for pressure moments. Sri Lanka’s slim hopes alive—can they miracle their way to semis?
Relive the drama—watch full highlights below and follow IPL Star for live updates on upcoming matches like SA vs PAK.
FAQs for SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
1. What happened in the SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Sri Lanka Women defeated Bangladesh Women by 7 runs in a thrilling 21st match on October 20, 2025, at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Sri Lanka scored 202 all out, led by Hasini Perera’s 85. Bangladesh, chasing 203, collapsed from needing 12 off 12 with six wickets to 195/9, with Chamari Athapaththu’s final-over heroics (4/42) sealing the win.
2. Who won the SLW vs BANW match in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Sri Lanka Women won the 21st match against Bangladesh Women by 7 runs, posting 202 and bowling out Bangladesh for 195/9 in a dramatic finish, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.
3. Why did Bangladesh lose the SLW vs BANW 21st Match in Women’s World Cup 2025?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Bangladesh’s loss was due to a spectacular collapse, losing five wickets in the last nine balls while needing 9 runs off 6. Over-cautious batting (run rate below 3) and nerves under pressure, especially after Sharmin Akhter retired hurt, led to their downfall.
4. Who was the Player of the Match in SLW vs BANW 21st Match?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Hasini Perera was named Player of the Match for her career-best 85 off 99 balls, stabilizing Sri Lanka’s innings after early wickets and setting a defendable 202.
5. What was Chamari Athapaththu’s role in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Highlights of SLW vs BANW?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Chamari Athapaththu was pivotal, scoring 46 off 43 and taking 4/42, including three wickets in the final over. Her all-round performance turned the game, earning praise in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 highlights.
6. How did Bangladesh’s collapse happen in the SLW vs BANW 21st Match?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Bangladesh needed 12 runs off 12 balls with six wickets but lost four wickets in the final over to Athapaththu (LBW, run-out, caught, LBW) and one earlier to Sugandika Kumari, choking under pressure.
7. What was the score in SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Sri Lanka Women scored 202 all out in 48.4 overs (Hasini Perera 85, Chamari Athapaththu 46). Bangladesh Women managed 195/9 in 50 overs (Nigar Sultana 77, Sharmin Akhter 64*).
8. How did the SLW vs BANW match affect the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 points table?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Sri Lanka’s win gave them 4 points (1W, 3L, 2NR), keeping them in the semifinal race. Bangladesh’s loss (2 points, 1W, 5L) eliminated them from contention, making them the first team out.
9. Where can I watch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Highlights for SLW vs BANW?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Highlights are available on JioHotstar (streaming) and Star Sports Network (TV) in India. Global fans can watch clips on ICC’s YouTube channel, featuring moments like Athapaththu’s final over.
10. What are key lessons from the Bangladesh collapse in Women’s World Cup 2025?
SLW vs BANW 21st Match Recap Bangladesh must improve mental resilience and death-over batting to handle pressure. Sri Lanka’s tail resistance and Athapaththu’s leadership highlight the value of fighting till the last ball.