In a tournament-defining masterclass, 20-year-old leg-spin all-rounder Rabeya Khan has emerged as Bangladesh’s leading light at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, claiming 9 wickets across 7 matches at an average of 17.55 and an economy of 6.07. Her exploits propelled skipper Nigar Sultana Joty’s side to the top of the points table with 10 points from 5 games, remaining the only unbeaten team and securing a coveted spot at the T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
Rabeya’s dominance underscores her rapid rise since debuting in T20Is on December 4, 2019, against Nepal in Pokhara, where the then-14-year-old stunned with 4/8 on debut. In 44 T20Is since, she’s snared 47 wickets at 17.10 apiece and 5.46 economy, including two four-wicket hauls, while chipping in 120 runs at a strike rate of 70.17. Her ODI record shines too: 33 wickets in 31 matches at 28.72 and 3.89 economy post her 2022 debut against New Zealand, plus 149 runs.
At the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, she grabbed 7 wickets at 30 and 4.31 economy, but her grit shone brightest with a career-best 43* (27 balls) at No. 9 against England on October 7, 2025, nearly steering Bangladesh to an upset in a 4-wicket defeat.
Rabeya’s path blends raw talent and resilience. A neighbourhood football star in her Bangladeshi village, she switched to cricket after spotting girls at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). “When I went there and saw girls playing cricket, I told my father, ‘Father, I want to play cricket,'” she recalls in an exclusive with Vishal Yadav for Female Cricket. Admitted in 2017, inspiration struck seeing BKSP alumni like Sobhana Mostary and Nahida Akter return from national camps. “I thought, no, I have another step to go,” Rabeya says, crediting Fatema Ma’am for igniting her professional fire.
Initially, a pace bowler idolising Mashrafe Mortaza, a pivotal shift came in Class 8. Coach Montu Sir advised, “Your height is small, become a spinner.” The move unlocked her potential. Despite early taunts, her father, Hafez, faced neighborhood backlash for letting his daughter play, Rabeya stayed shielded. “My father used to say, ‘Don’t listen to people, do your work. Let’s see if something happens,'” she shares.
Today, she urges girls: “Playing as a girl doesn’t feel bad. Now I feel proud. My message to every girl is to try to come to sports. If you try, it is definitely possible.”
Rabeya views herself as a true all-rounder, prioritising team impact. “Besides bowling, if I can contribute with batting, it will be good,” she affirms, echoing her ODI World Cup knock. She’s even captained Bangladesh against Sri Lanka. drawing from Nigar Sultana Joty. “Jyoti Apu always helps me. She says, ‘Try confidently, and it will happen slowly.'” Friendly yet observant, Rabeya aspires to lead like her skipper.
Reflecting on her qualifier haul, she beams: “Alhamdulillah. Being a wicket-taker is really a proud feeling.” To rivals eyeing the T20 World Cup, her advice is simple: build confidence to aid your team. For young Bangladeshi girls, it’s her mantra: “Confidence is the most important thing.”
As Bangladesh fans rally behind the qualifiers’ heroes, Rabeya calls for unwavering support, “We want them to always support us and women’s cricket more. Pray for us and enjoy the game.” With the T20 World Cup beckoning, this leg-spin sensation promises more fireworks.
Loves all things female cricket