Athapaththu, who missed the opening match due to injury, made a strong return and played a key role with the ball, finishing with 3 for 36. Her spell helped Sri Lanka bundle out Bangladesh for 165 in 45.5 overs after the hosts elected to bat first.
For Bangladesh, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty top-scored with 58 off 101 balls, while Sharmin Sultana added 25 and Nahida Akter made 20. However, despite several starts, the hosts failed to build big partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was well supported by Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera, who all picked up two wickets each.
In the chase, Sri Lanka lost an early wicket, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a quick 40 off 39 balls. Later, Harshitha Samarawickrama (50 off 76) and Hansima Karunaratne (40 off 64) built a crucial 77-run partnership that guided the visitors closer to victory.
Nahida Akter impressed with the ball for Bangladesh, taking 4 for 21, but Sri Lanka held their nerve to reach 166 for 6 in 38.2 overs.
The series decider will be played at the same venue on Saturday.
