1/10th of the exhilarating action waiting to rock our TV screens during the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier later this month is going to be presented by the Bangladeshi tigresses who in recent years may not have embossed many but if you ask me, this sets the perfect platform for their comeback. In fact, the Bangladeshi team has proved to be impressive on several occasions, for instance when they broke their neighboring country, India’s winning streak in Asia Cup Finals in 2018, taking the cup home for the first time.
Histor of Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
The existence of the Bangladesh cricket team dates back to 2007 when they made their international debut against Thailand and began on a high. However, it was only 4 years later, on 24th November 2011 that they were granted ODI status. This happened after they uprooted the USA by 9 wickets, finishing 5th in the 2011 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Post this, they qualified for the 2014 Women’s T20 World Cup, making their first appearance in a top-class international event.
Current State – Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Having made their previous international appearance in the group stage of the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup last year against Sri Lanka which they, unfortunately, lost by 9 wickets, the tigresses are now gearing up to play 3 ODIs vs Zimbabwe, Consequently, they will kick off their campaign at the Qualifier Tournament against potential arch-rivals Pakistan. This will be a juicy challenge for the women in green as they will be playing their first ODI since 2019. So far, in their 38 ODIs, they have recorded just 9 wins with a win percentage of 23.7%.
Players to Watch Out For – Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
1. Salma Khatun
The 31-year-old all-rounder from Khulna has been one of the most consistent inclusions of the team in recent times owing to her varied abilities. Though she doesn’t have a very effective batting record in ODIs averaging just 13.1 with a strike rate of 52.7 in 32 innings with her highest score being 75*, bowling point of view, she has been more worthy. She has bowled off-spin to pick 35 wickets in 33 innings with a praise-worthy economy of 3.65.
2. Rumana Ahmed
From Khulna again, Ahmed is also a right-handed all-rounder who bowls leg-spin. In 38 matches, she has scored 827 runs and picked 42 wickets and a strike rate and economy of 53.5 and 3.67 respectively. Subsequently, she has been a part of every match that Bangladesh has played since its international formation, hence bringing a considerable amount of experience, stability, and calmness to the team.
3. Jahanara Alam
Lastly, also from Khulna, Alam is a right-arm-medium fast bowler. In 37 opportunities, she has picked 33 wickets at an economy of 4.10, averaging 31.1. Along with this, she is also one of the most experienced women in the squad and is known for her confident nature on the field which uprises the confidence and resolution in her teammates too.
Importance
As mentioned before, Bangladesh has a winning ratio of even below ¼ placing them in one of the poorest performing nations in women’s cricket. A lot of this is due to a lack of proper management and very limited opportunities for upcoming players however, this does not mean that the nation is short of skill or expertise. Over the years, they have produced individual and team performances that have astounded their counterparts and cricket fans in general so, this qualifier truly allows them to do so again and embark on a journey to re-discover themselves as athletes.
Squad
Nigar Sultana (c, wk)
Rumana Ahmed
Jahanara Alam
Sharmin Akhter
Nahida Akter
Fargana Hoque
Fahima Khatun
Murshida Khatun
Salma Khatun
Khadija Tul Kubra
Sanjida Akter Meghla
Lata Mondal
Ritu Moni
Sobhana Mostary
Nuzhat Tasnia
Fariha Trisna
Suraiya Azmin (Reserve)
Shamima Sultana (Reserve)
Support Staff
According to Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, the head of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s women’s wing, six coaches were responsible for the training of the girls for the Zimbabwe series and the qualifier. These are:
Wahidul Gani
Dipu Roy
Ruhul Amin
Faruque
Shanu
Emon
Although there isn’t a confirmed report yet, some of the above-mentioned are expected to accompany the team to Zimbabwe.
Schedule
The Bangladesh women will be making 4 appearances in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier as follows:
21st November – Bangladesh vs Pakistan
23rd November – Bangladesh vs USA
25th November – Bangladesh vs Thailand
29th November – Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
Student, Athlete, and Cricket Enthusiast.
