Bangladesh have named uncapped top-order batter Sarmin Sultana in their 15-player squad for the home three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, replacing Fargana Hoque as they aim to bounce back from a 2-1 ODI series defeat and gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
The series, part of a packed tour from April 20 to May 2, 2026, sees Bangladesh, captained by Nigar Sultana Joty, hosting Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka. After Sri Lanka clinched the ODIs in Rajshahi, the T20Is kick off Tuesday on the livelier pitches of Sylhet, offering Bangladesh a chance to sharpen their act ahead of the 10th T20 World Cup (June 12 to July 5).
Selectors turned to Sarmin for batting reinforcement following a sub-par showing in the WODIs. The top-order talent, uncapped in T20Is, returned to the ODI side after seven years but managed just 42 runs across three innings against Sri Lanka. Her inclusion signals intent to bolster the fragile top order, where the onus will again fall on skipper Nigar Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, and Sharmin Akter, all of whom notched useful runs in the ODIs. Dropped batter Fargana Hoque, meanwhile, scored a mere 11 in her lone third-ODI appearance.
Bangladesh’s attack remains a settled unit, with pace spearhead Marufa Akter primed for new-ball duties. They’ll crave more express pace but left-armer Fariha Trisna could exploit Sylhet’s bounce. Vice-captain Nahida Akter headlines a spin quartet alongside Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, and Fahima Khatun, key to rebuilding pressure after the ODI bowling faltered.
This series marks Bangladesh’s final outing before World Cup duty, following their flawless seven-win run through qualifiers in Nepal earlier this year. A strong showing could cement momentum for the global showpiece.
Bangladesh Squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Nigar Sultana (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sarmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Juairiya Ferdous
Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostary ended as the leading run-scorer for her side and the 2nd highest run-scorer of the ODI series with 120 runs at a strike rate of 81.63 and an average of 60 in three innings, including a half-century in 3 matches with the bat for her side in the series. In the bowling department, Nahida Akter ended as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 6 wickets at an average of 14.50 and an economy of 3.57 in three innings, including a four-wicket haul in three matches with the ball for her side.
With Sri Lanka’s series win still fresh, expect Bangladesh to channel that fire into T20 flair. Sarmin’s debut could be the spark they need.
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