Bangladesh captain and wicket-keeper batter Nigar Sultana Joty marked her 200th international appearance during the first semi-final of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 against India on 10 September. The landmark arrived in a high-pressure contest in the United Arab Emirates, where Nigar Sultana Joty tried her best, despite India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, securing a 40-run victory and progressing to their sixth consecutive Asia Cup final.
At 29, Joty has become one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh women’s cricket. Her 200th appearance reflects a decade of consistency across formats, leadership, and responsibility behind the stumps and in the middle order. Having won the toss, she opted to bowl first as Bangladesh looked to restrict a strong Indian batting line-up.
India finished with 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs, setting Bangladesh a challenging target of 150. Joty came in at No. 4 during the chase and made a brisk 19 off 17 balls. Her innings featured one boundary and one six, but Bangladesh struggled to maintain the required scoring rate and were restricted to 109/7 in their 20 overs. India’s 40-run win confirmed their place in the final for a sixth straight edition.
Nigar Sultana Joty’s international journey began with her T20I debut against Pakistan in Karachi on 30 September 2015. Since then, she has established herself as Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is, accumulating 2,709 runs at a strike rate of 93.34 and an average of 27.36 in 126 innings across 132 matches. Her record includes 13 half-centuries and one century.
Her finest T20I performance came against the Maldives on 5 December 2019. Batting at No. 3, Joty struck an unbeaten 113 from 65 balls, an innings powered by 14 fours and three sixes. Bangladesh posted 255/2 in 20 overs and completed a remarkable 249-run victory, with Joty receiving the Player of the Match award.
Joty has also made a significant contribution in the 50-over format. She made her ODI debut against Pakistan at Karachi on 6 October 2015 and has since scored 1,585 runs at a strike rate of 56.56 and an average of 27.80 in 63 innings across 68 matches. Her ODI tally includes nine half-centuries and one century.
The ongoing ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 has added another chapter to her distinguished career. Across four matches and four innings, Joty has scored 56 runs at a strike rate of 86.15 and an average of 14. Although Bangladesh’s campaign ended in the semi-final, the tournament provided the setting for one of the most significant milestones in her career.
Joty’s 200th international appearance is more than a numerical achievement. It is a testament to her durability, versatility, and importance to Bangladesh women’s cricket. As captain, batter, and wicket-keeper, she remains central to the team’s identity and continues to represent the growth and ambition of the Bangladesh game.
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