Bangladesh have announced their women’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Sri Lanka, with experienced batter Sarmin Sultana earning a recall after nearly seven years. The squad marks a shift in direction following the team’s disappointing ICC Women’s World Cup campaign and also signals the start of a crucial new cycle in the ICC Women’s Championship.
Sarmin’s return headlines three changes from the World Cup squad that played in India last year. Off-spinner Sultana Khatun and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous are the other inclusions, while Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, and Sumaiya Akter have been left out. The changes indicate a blend of experience and fresh talent as Bangladesh look to rebuild and find more consistency.
The recall of 32-year-old Sarmin Sultana is particularly noteworthy. She last played an ODI in November 2019 against Pakistan, which was also her 13th appearance in the format. While her record does not immediately stand out, her selection suggests that the team management is prioritizing stability and experience in a batting lineup that has struggled to deliver consistently. Sarmin has remained active in domestic and developmental cricket, most recently featuring in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament earlier this year, where Bangladesh finished runners-up to India.
Sultana Khatun’s inclusion strengthens Bangladesh’s spin resources, especially important given the home conditions. She last featured in an ODI in January 2025 and adds depth and control to the bowling attack. Juairiya Ferdous, meanwhile, is the only uncapped player in the squad in ODIs. The young wicketkeeper-batter made her international debut at the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal earlier this year and now has the chance to break into the 50-over format.
The squad announcement comes at a pivotal moment. Bangladesh are set to play their first ODI series since the World Cup, where they managed just one win in seven matches and finished seventh in the eight-team competition. The need for improvement particularly in batting consistency and partnerships has clearly influenced the selection decisions.
This series also carries added importance beyond the immediate results. It is part of the ICC Women’s Championship, meaning valuable qualification points for the 2029 World Cup are at stake. With the new cycle just beginning, Bangladesh will be keen to make a strong start and avoid falling behind early in the standings.
Sri Lanka will provide a challenging opposition. This will be their first bilateral ODI series in Bangladesh, but they have historically had the upper hand. Sri Lanka won the previous bilateral series between the sides in 2023 and remain unbeaten against Bangladesh in ODIs, having won all three of the five completed matches. Their most recent meeting, at the 2025 World Cup, ended in a narrow seven-run win for Sri Lanka.
The three ODIs are scheduled to be played in Rajshahi on April 20, 22, and 25, followed by a three-match T20I series in Sylhet.
Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Fargana Haque, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sarmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Juairiya Ferdous
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