Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the ODI series against Australia announced

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Set to commence on March 21, 2024, this series forms a crucial part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.

Leading the charge for Bangladesh will be Nigar Sultana Joty, while Nahida Akter leads the role of vice-captain. The squad, comprising a blend of experience and emerging talent, aims to give a formidable challenge to the visiting Australian side. Backing up the primary squad are reserves Fariha Islam Trisna, Shorifa Khatun, and Lata Mondol, ready to step in if the need arises during the series.

The complete squad for the Bangladesh team is as follows:

Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Hoque Lisa

As part of ICC Women's Championship 2022-25, Bangladesh will play 3 ODIs against Australia starting 21st March.

🇧🇩 Squad 👇#CricketTwitter #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/FVszyDinOh

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 16, 2024

All matches of the series are scheduled to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS), Mirpur. Despite Bangladesh’s formidable performance in recent times, securing victories against Australia has remained an elusive feat for the women’s team.

In the 3rd Place Play-off during the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition on September 25, 2023, Pakistan women’s team faced Bangladesh in a closely contested match. Pakistan managed to score 64/9, but Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, reaching 65/5 in just 18.2 overs, securing victory by 5 wickets with 10 balls remaining.

The rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh continued into November 2023 when Pakistan Women toured Bangladesh. In the T20I series, Bangladesh clinched the first match by 5 wickets with 3 balls to spare. The second encounter saw Bangladesh triumph by 20 runs, but Pakistan bounced back strongly, claiming a 31-run victory in the third T20I. Moving to the ODI series, Pakistan started strongly by securing a comfortable 5-wicket win with a whopping 151 balls remaining in the first match. However, Bangladesh fought back fiercely, winning the second ODI in a thrilling Super Over encounter. Ultimately, Bangladesh sealed the series victory by chasing down the target with 7 wickets in hand and 26 balls to spare in the third ODI.

Shifting the focus to their subsequent series, Bangladesh Women commenced the tour of South Africa in December. In the T20I series, Bangladesh started on a high note, winning the first match by 13 runs. However, the second T20I ended without a result. South Africa struck back in the third T20I, registering a convincing 8-wicket win with 28 balls to spare. Transitioning to the ODI series, Bangladesh dominated the opening match, securing a commanding 119-run victory. Yet, their momentum stumbled in the second ODI as South Africa chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand and 29 balls remaining. In the final ODI, South Africa asserted their dominance, clinching the series with a resounding 216-run victory.

Nevertheless, with their growing skills and determination, Bangladesh aims to rewrite history and register their maiden win against the formidable Australian squad.

The schedule for the series is as follows:

All match timings are as per Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), providing an exciting opportunity for fans to witness the action-packed series live.

At present, Australia leads the standings in the ICC Women’s Championship, while Bangladesh holds the seventh position, making this series a crucial opportunity for the latter to climb up the table.