Bangladesh enter the Asian Games 2026 opening quarterfinal as clear favorites, bringing years of elite international exposure and a proven core built around experienced campaigners like Nigar Sultana Joty and Nahida Akter. On the other side, China arrive after earning their spot through the qualifiers, looking to pull off a statement performance on the big stage. While Bangladesh have the tactical pedigree and depth to control matches against associate sides, China’s steady rise in the regional setup means they cannot be taken lightly.
Squads:
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Nigar Sultana (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Juairiya Ferdous, Marufa Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Sultana Khatun
China Women’s Cricket Team
Wang Huijing, Wei Haiting, Mingyue Zhu, Jiaping Li, Cai Yuzhi, Gong Yuting, Hong Yali, Chen Xinyu, Feng Qian, Lyu Yihan, Ma Ruike
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana Joty
Serving as a cornerstone for her side spanning 2015 to 2026, Nigar Sultana has logged 132 matches and 126 innings. She has amassed 2709 runs at an average of 27.36, anchored by the highest of 113* and a strike rate of 93.34. Her consistency is highlighted by 13 half-centuries and a century, showcasing her role as a reliable anchor in the top order.
Nahida Akter
Nahida Akter has built a formidable record over 111 matches between 2015 and 2026, delivering 379.4 overs across 110 innings. She has captured 129 wickets while keeping things tight with an economy rate of 5.86 and an impressive average of 17.25. Best represented by her match-winning figures of 5/8, she remains a primary strike bowler with two five-wicket hauls to her name.
Mingyue Zhu
Representing China between 2023 and 2026, Mingyue Zhu has played 41 matches and batted in 36 innings. She has gathered 441 runs at an average of 14.22, with the highest score of 59 and a strike rate of 84.80. Though still developing her international footprint, she has chipped in with 38 boundaries and a half-century.
Ma Ruike
Taking the ball for China across 38 matches between 2024 and 2026, Ma Ruike has sent down 116.1 overs in 38 innings. She has picked up 40 wickets while maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 4.84 and an average of 14.07. With best figures of 4/1, she provides crucial control and regular breakthroughs in the bowling lineup.
Pitch:
The cricket facility at Kōrogi Sports Park was converted from a multi-purpose sports and baseball ground specifically to host the cricket competition for the 2026 Asian Games. The venue imported pitch clay directly from Sri Lanka, with experienced Sri Lankan groundsmen overseeing the pitch preparation to ensure top-quality subcontinental-style playing conditions.
Weather:
Japan is expected to be cloudy throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of 28°C and a low of 21°C, accompanied by 81% humidity and 9 mph winds blowing from the southwest.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sharmin Akhter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Nigar Sultana, Nahida Akter, Sarmin Sultana, Han Lili, Zhang Xiangxue, Xu Qian, Zheng Lili, Huang Zhuo
Match Details:
Date – September 17, 2026
Time – 5:30 AM IST
Venue – Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
Broadcast – Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv
Loves all things female cricket