Bangladesh Announce Women’s T20 World Cup Squad With Nigar Sultana As Captain

The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, with Nigar Sultana named as captain. The squad also saw the return of experienced batter Taj Nehar, strengthening the team’s batting lineup ahead of the global tournament scheduled in England and Wales. The selection reflects a balance of youth and experience as Bangladesh aim for a stronger showing on the world stage.

The team will begin its preparation with a departure to Edinburgh on May 25, where they will participate in a tri-series involving Scotland and the Netherlands. Following this, the squad will travel to Loughborough for official warm-up matches before heading into the main tournament. This extended preparation phase is designed to help players adapt to English conditions, particularly the swinging and seam-friendly pitches expected during the World Cup.

The squad includes key contributors such as vice-captain Nahida Akter, along with batters Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, and Shorna Akter. All-rounder Ritu Moni also features as a valuable option, providing part-time medium pace alongside her batting abilities. In the bowling department, the selectors have relied heavily on Marufa Akter and Fariha Islam Trisna as the primary pace options, highlighting the team’s continued focus on spin dominance and all-round depth.

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Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed outlined the team’s target for the tournament, stating that Bangladesh aim to win at least three of their five group-stage matches. He specifically identified matches against the Netherlands, Pakistan, and South Africa as key opportunities for victories. The selector emphasised that the team has been working intensively to improve consistency and convert competitive performances into wins at the international level.

However, he also acknowledged concerns regarding the team’s fast-bowling depth, noting that injuries and limited options remain a recurring challenge. With only two specialist pacers—Marufa Akter and Fariha Islam Trisna—supported by Ritu Moni as a backup seam option, the squad continues to rely heavily on spin resources. This imbalance has been a key discussion point in Bangladesh women’s cricket development in recent years.

Nigar Sultana and her team will now focus on building momentum through the tri-series and warm-up matches before the World Cup begins. With a blend of returning players and emerging talent, Bangladesh will look to improve on their previous performances and make a stronger impact in one of women’s cricket’s biggest tournaments.

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