When Bangladesh arrived in Nepal for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, the cricket felt secondary to the controversy that had followed them for months. Internal tensions, public allegations and leadership debates had cast a long shadow over a side once known for its steady rise in the women’s game.
But on the field, Bangladesh delivered clarity. A dominant 39-run victory over Thailand sealed their place in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, completing an unbeaten campaign of five consecutive wins in the Qualifier. It was not just a qualification; it was a response.
Head coach Sarwar Imran revealed that insulating the dressing room from outside negativity was a deliberate and strict approach. “Before coming to the Qualifiers, there were many kinds of negative discussions. We never allowed those to enter our dressing room,” he said. The coaching staff made sure conversations inside the team environment revolved solely around preparation, roles and execution.
Much of the scrutiny before the tournament centered on captain Nigar Sultana Joty, especially after reports of internal disagreements and allegations that became public in the lead up to the Qualifier. Questions linger about leadership trust and dressing room harmony. On the field, however, Bangladesh looked united and purposeful. Backing his skipper firmly, Imran stated, “Joty is Joty; she is our symbol of trust,” underlining the belief the group continues to have in their captain.
The team’s body language throughout the tournament suggested a side determined to let performances answer criticism. Bangladesh played disciplined cricket, held their nerve in tight moments and showed improved composure under pressure. Bangladesh began their group stage with a solid 21-run win over the USA, setting the tone early, before tightening their grip with a 30-run victory against Papua New Guinea.
Momentum truly shifted in their favour with a commanding 80-run triumph over Namibia, followed by a tense but crucial nine-run win against Ireland that showcased their composure under pressure. In the Super Six stage, Bangladesh sealed their qualification in style with a 39-run win over Thailand, confirming their spot. They didn’t ease up after that a dominant 90-run victory against Scotland underlined their authority, and they wrapped up their campaign on a high with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Netherlands, completing an impressive and well-rounded run in the qualifiers.
Yet, despite the celebrations, the coach remained measured in his assessment. Looking ahead to the global stage, he admitted there are technical areas that need sharpening, saying, “One concern I still have ahead of the World Cup is Marufa’s line and length. I am not very satisfied with that, and we need to work on it.”
For a team that spent months battling questions off the field, the unbeaten campaign in Nepal offered something more valuable than just a ticket to the World Cup; it restored focus, unity and belief.
(Quotes sourced from Cricbuzz)
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