After an impressive run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team is aiming for more than just participation in the upcoming global event in England and Wales this June. With a flawless record of seven wins out of seven matches in the qualifiers, Tigresses captain Nigar Sultana expressed that her team’s ambitions go far beyond merely qualifying; they intend to make a significant impact on the world stage.
“We don’t want to go there (England) just to participate,” Nigar stated confidently after her team’s remarkable campaign. “We want to win matches and give our country an impactful T20 World Cup.”
Her words reflect a team filled with belief and determination. In a sport where many view qualification as an achievement in itself, Bangladesh’s mindset stands out. Instead of being intimidated by stronger opponents or discouraged by past criticisms, the Tigresses have channeled their energy into teamwork and consistent execution.
“There has always been talk about our batters not being consistent,” Nigar admitted. “But in this tournament, they really dominated. The bowlers contributed alongside them, and as a team we were much more consistent. We played dominant cricket,” she said.
Instead of shying away from past difficulties, Nigar proudly acknowledged the challenges they’d faced and highlighted how her team responded. “Our plan before coming here was first to make sure we qualified,” she shared. “But in the back of our minds we also wanted to win the tournament and stay unbeaten. Alhamdulillah, we were able to do that.”
Her appreciation for the team’s effort has been evident. Throughout the qualifiers, Bangladesh showcased impressive balance: the batters took charge, the bowlers applied pressure, and the fielders supported it all. In one Super Six match, they scored 165 and defended that total with discipline, proving that they were a well-rounded team capable of making a deep run in the World Cup.
However, alongside their confidence, Nigar emphasised the need for thorough preparation. “Now our goal is how we can perform better at the T20 World Cup,” she said. “Preparation will be extremely important. We would like to play some international matches before the World Cup because in previous tournaments we were not able to prepare properly.”
She acknowledged that preparation has been a challenge for the team lately. The lead-up to the 2025 ODI World Cup in India didn’t go as planned, leading to inconsistent performances, a lesson she is keen not to repeat. “We would like to play some international matches before the World Cup because in previous tournaments we were not able to prepare properly,” she explained. “If we can play a good, competitive T20 tournament before the World Cup, whether it’s a franchise league or any other event, it will boost the team a lot and help our preparation.”
Her comments showcase a leader who understands that confidence alone isn’t enough to succeed at higher levels of competition. With a few months left before the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s camp is likely concentrating on strengthening their skills and gaining experience against quality opposition.
The domestic schedule suggests readiness for future challenges, with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka coming up in April. This series includes three ODIs and three T20Is, which could be essential preparation for the global event. Additionally, there are plans for tours to European competitions, depending on scheduling.
This proactive approach reflects the team’s desire to learn and improve rather than resting on their past achievements. It’s a mindset that could turn heads as they gear up for the summer in England and Wales.
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