In a strategic reshuffle, Bangladesh has unveiled its women’s T20 squad to face Sri Lanka, spotlighting uncapped batter Sarmín Sultana while dropping Fargana Hoque. This comes amid preparations for the T20 World Cup, signaling a push to refresh the top order.
Sarmín’s inclusion is intriguing. Absent from T20Is so far, she returned to ODIs this year post-break, mustering 42 runs in three games. Selectors see untapped T20 flair in her, betting on her to stabilize early innings before the World Cup heats up.
Announced post the Rajshahi ODI series loss (2-1 to Sri Lanka), the team shift emphasizes addressing batting inconsistencies exposed recently. Bangladesh seeks cohesion to iron out weaknesses ahead of international spotlights.
Batting revolves around skipper Nigar Sultana, with Shobhana Mostary and Sharmin Akter offering reliable support after ODI glimpses of form. Their adaptability will be key in T20’s aggressive landscape.
Bowling boasts depth: Marufa Akter’s pace up top, Fariha Trisna’s left-arm swing on seaming tracks, and a spin quartet led by Nahida Akter—including Rabiya Khan, Sultana Khatun, and Fahima Khatun—for middle-over mastery.
As potentially the last series before the June 12 World Cup kickoff in England, stakes are high. Fresh from a perfect Nepal qualifier (7-0), Bangladesh eyes momentum. Squad: Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Dilara Akter, Shobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabiya Khan, Sarmín Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Jueriya Firdaus.
