Bangladesh have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty set to captain the side in England next month as they look to recover from a disappointing home series against Sri Lanka and build on their successful qualification campaign earlier this year.
This will be Bangladesh’s seventh appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since making their debut in 2014. The side booked its place in the tournament after an unbeaten run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier earlier this year, finishing top of both the group stage and Super Six standings.
Bangladesh squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
Bangladesh have largely retained the core squad that featured during the recent home series against Sri Lanka, despite suffering defeats in both formats. Sri Lanka claimed the ODI series 2-1 before completing a dominant 3-0 sweep in the T20Is, exposing several concerns for Bangladesh ahead of the World Cup.
Problems were visible during the T20I leg in Sylhet, where Bangladesh were unable to match Sri Lanka’s scoring rate or finishing power. In the first T20I, Sri Lanka posted 161/4 before restricting Bangladesh to 136/7 to win by 25 runs, despite a fighting 60 from 45 deliveries by Shorna Akter. Sri Lanka sealed the series in the second T20I after scoring 154/4 and then limiting Bangladesh to 133/5.
Sharmin Akter top-scored with 44, but Bangladesh once again struggled to maintain momentum during the chase and fell short by 21 runs. The third T20I, reduced to nine overs per side due to rain, completed a difficult series for Bangladesh. Sri Lanka posted 81/3, powered by Chamari Athapaththu’s 41 from 27 balls, before holding Bangladesh to 78/7 to complete a three-run win and a clean sweep.
Despite the recent setbacks, Bangladesh selectors have continued to back an experienced core group led by Nigar Sultana. The captain remains one of Bangladesh’s most important batters in white-ball cricket and will again be expected to anchor the innings during the World Cup.
The batting unit also includes Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter and Dilara Akter, while all-rounders Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun provide additional depth. Young batter Shorna Akter is expected to be a key player after showing aggressive intent during the Sri Lanka series, particularly with her half-century in the opening T20I.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack will continue to revolve around spin, with vice-captain Nahida Akter leading a group that also includes Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun. Nahida has consistently been one of Bangladesh’s most reliable T20 bowlers and played a major role during the successful qualification campaign earlier this year.
The pace attack features Marufa Akter and Fariha Islam Trisna, while younger players Shanjida Akther Maghla, Juairiya Ferdous and Taj Nehar have also been included as Bangladesh continue to invest in emerging talent ahead of future ICC events.
Bangladesh will now shift focus towards preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, where they will aim to overcome recent struggles and make a stronger impact on the global stage.
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