In the 4th Twenty20 International (T20I) of India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2024, Habiba Islam Pinky international debut at the age of 14 was one of the many milestones celebrated during the game. Below, we look into the youngest players to debut for Bangladesh in both T20Is and One Day Internationals (ODIs).
1) Rabeya Khan – 14 years, 268 days
The leg-spinner made her T20I debut back in 2019 against Nepal and has since earned 23 caps. In 21 innings, she has taken 22 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.98 and recorded the best of 4/8, while also contributing with the bat. Over the past few months, she has grown in her role, claiming several key wickets, and undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of herself.
2) Habiba Islam Pinky – 14 years, 340 days
The right-arm pacer showcased her skills in the Under-19 Tri-Nation T20 series earlier this year. Despite managing just 1 wicket in 5 games, she sent down economical spells. Her debut in the 4th T20I against India at home saw her return figures of 0/20 (2). It is hoped that the pacer will find her rhythm and contribute with wickets in the upcoming games.
3) Nishita Akter Nishi – 15 years, 141 days
The off-spinner made her debut late in 2023 during the home ODI series against Pakistan. Nishita had a promising start to her international career, claiming the wicket of Sadaf Shamas and returning figures of 1/26 (7) on debut. She followed up with figures of 1/29 (10), claiming the prized wicket of Bismah Maroof. Surprisingly, despite her promising start, she hasn’t had another opportunity.
4) Nahida Akter – 15 years, 212 days
The left-arm off-spinner made her T20I debut back in 2015 during Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan. Since then, she has picked up 92 wickets from 81 games in the format, at an economy rate of 5.74. Notably, she has claimed a couple of 5-wicket hauls, with her best figures being 5/8, and has also proven to be more than handy with the bat.
Days later, she made her ODI debut, at the age of 15 years and 216 days, on the same tour. In 41 ODI innings, she has taken 53 wickets, including her best figures of 5/21, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.74. Renowned as a vital cog in the team’s XI, she also serves as the vice-captain, underscoring her leadership abilities.
5) Nuzhat Tasnia – 15 years, 237 days
The keeper-batter made her ODI debut during the tour of Ireland in 2012. Despite not being required with the bat on her debut, she faced a tough start in her subsequent outings against South Africa, departing on scores of 3, 5, and 2. Struggling to recover from this initial setback, Nuzhat was dropped from the team in 2014. Although she returned to the set-up in 2021 for a series against Zimbabwe, scoring 10 runs in her only outing, she has not since taken the field in international cricket.
In T20Is, Nuzhat debuted against Ireland in 2021 at the age of 15 years and 241 days. Capped 18 times, she had limited opportunities with the bat, striding to the middle in only 9 games and accumulating just 45 runs. She managed to reach double digits (11) only once in the format. Her last T20I appearance was in 2014 against India.