The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced the women’s cricket team lineup for their much-anticipated first-ever tour to the West Indies. This tour marks a significant milestone for the Bangladesh Women’s team as they prepare to compete in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against the West Indies Women.
Leadership and squad composition
Captain Nigar Sultana, known for her aggressive batting style and tactical acumen, will lead the charge. Her leadership has been pivotal in transforming the team’s performance in recent years, especially in T20 cricket. The inclusion of young all-rounders like Fahima Khatun and Fariha Islam adds dynamism to the squad, offering both batting depth and bowling options. The team’s spin department, bolstered by the likes of Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan, could pose a significant threat on the slow Caribbean pitches.
The selection strategy also focuses on versatility. Players like Sharmin Akter and Murshida Khatun, who can bat effectively in the middle order and contribute with part-time bowling, provide the squad with much-needed flexibility. This composition aims at countering various game scenarios, from chasing big totals to setting defendable scores.
Players to watch out for
- Nigar Sultana – As captain and wicketkeeper-batter, her performance can dictate the team’s momentum. Her ability to score quickly in the top order could be crucial in setting up innings or finishing games in T20s.
- Nahida Akter – Her left-arm spin has troubled many international batters. In conditions that might assist spinners, her role could be pivotal, especially in the middle overs of both formats.
- Fargana Hoque – Known for her technical batting, Hoque’s experience at the top order could stabilize the innings when the new ball is moving. Her consistency will be an asset on Caribbean pitches.
- Marufa Akter – A young fast bowler with the potential to swing the ball, Marufa could exploit early conditions to provide breakthroughs or contain in the death overs. Her performance might be key in setting the tone of the matches.
- Fahima Khatun – An all-rounder whose off-spin could be particularly effective on slower pitches, and her lower-order batting adds depth. Her all-round contributions could turn matches in Bangladesh’s favor.
Also READ: West Indies unveils complete schedule for home Women’s white-ball series against Bangladesh
Tour schedule and importance
The tour will commence with the Bangladesh team arriving in St. Kitts on January 14, 2025. The ODIs are scheduled for January 19, 21, and 24, while the T20Is will follow on January 27, 29, and 31, all at the iconic Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
This series holds particular importance due to its alignment with the ICC Women’s Championship, where points from the ODIs will count towards qualification for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup set to be held in India. Currently, Bangladesh sits in 7th position with 19 points, and a successful tour could significantly boost their chances of direct qualification.
Bangladesh squad for the West Indies tour
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter.
Also READ: Bangladesh unveils 15-member squad for ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.