In a landmark moment for Bangladesh Women’s cricket, Nigar Sultana has etched her name into the record books by becoming the player with the most matches as captain in Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is) for Bangladesh. She surpassed the previous record of 65 matches held by Salma Khatun, reaching 66 matches as skipper, a milestone that reflects her longevity and growing stature as a leader in Bangladesh cricket. During her captaincy from 2022 to 2026, she has led the side in 66 matches, registering 26 wins and 39 losses, with a win percentage hovering around 39%, highlighting both the challenges and the team’s competitive evolution.
While this leadership milestone is historic, what makes Nigar Sultana’s journey even more compelling is her consistent contribution as a player across formats. In Women’s T20 Internationals, she has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most dependable batters. Having played over 118 WT20Is, Nigar has scored 2323 runs at an average of around 26.7, including 11 half-centuries and a century, with a career-best score of 113*, the highest individual score for Bangladesh Women in T20Is. Her strike rate of around 90 reflects her ability to balance stability with acceleration, a key trait for a middle-order batter in modern T20 cricket.
In addition to her batting, her wicketkeeping contributions are equally vital. With 26 catches and 47 stumpings to her name in WT20Is, she plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s fielding unit, often influencing games through sharp glovework. Her performances in ICC tournaments, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, will be crucial to watch out for.
In Women’s One-Day Internationals (WODIs), Nigar Sultana has showcased a slightly different dimension of her game. In over 68 WODIs, she has accumulated 1585 runs at an average of 27.8, including 9 half-centuries and 1 century, with a highest score of 101. The longer format has allowed her to demonstrate her temperament and anchoring ability, often holding innings together during challenging situations. Her strike rotation and ability to build partnerships make her a key pillar in Bangladesh’s ODI setup.
As a captain, Nigar’s journey has not been without challenges. Bangladesh Women are still developing as a unit on the global stage, competing against more established sides. However, under her leadership, the team has shown improved competitiveness, tactical discipline, and resilience, particularly in tight matches. Her calm demeanour behind the stumps and her ability to guide bowlers and field placements have been notable strengths.
Comparing her with former captain Salma Khatun offers an interesting perspective. While Salma led Bangladesh in 65 WT20Is with 27 wins, laying the foundation for the team, Nigar’s tenure represents a phase of transition and ambition. She has taken forward that legacy while aiming to push Bangladesh into a more competitive bracket in world cricket.
This milestone of most WT20Is as captain for Bangladesh Women is not just about numbers; it symbolises trust, consistency, and evolution. Nigar Sultana stands today not only as a record-breaking captain but also as one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished all-format performers. With her still in the prime of her career, both as a leader and a batter, Bangladesh Women’s cricket can look forward to scaling new heights under her guidance.
As records continue to be rewritten, one thing remains clear,Nigar Sultana is not just leading Bangladesh; she is redefining its journey in women’s international cricket.
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