A few days out from the upcoming 9th edition of the Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its 15-member squad for the mega International Cricket Council (ICC) event, featuring as many as five changes from their most recent tournament lineup.
Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty will continue to lead the squad, aiming to secure her first win as captain in a T20 World Cup, after losing all four games, finishing 10th in the 2023 edition. The team’s last victory in the T20 World Cup dates back to their debut campaign in 2014, with winless runs in the 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 tournaments.
Under Nigar’s leadership, the squad blends experience and youth, with seasoned players Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Jahanara Alam, and Fahima Khatun in the mix alongside emerging talents in Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, and Rabeya Khan. The team also features uncapped players Taj Nehar and Disha Biswas.
Bangladesh last played in the Asia Cup in July 2024, with Taj Nehar, Fahima Khatun, and Sobhana Mostary named as standbys. All three have now made the final 15 for the World Cup, joined by Disha Biswas and Shathi Rani. They replace Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Shorifa Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, and Sabikun Nahar Jesmin in the squad.
Shathi returns to the squad after her last T20I appearance against Pakistan in 2023, while Sobhana and Fahima make their comeback after being left out of the Asia Cup squad following modest performances in the home series against India in April-May 2024. Among this trio, Fahima’s experience and proven success will undoubtedly strengthen Bangladesh, providing much-needed variety and balance to the team.
Bangladesh’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Dilara Akter (WK), Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Disha Biswas, Shathi Rani
The experienced Jahanara Alam and rising star Marufa Akter will spearhead Bangladesh’s pace attack, while the spin department offers a wealth of variety. Left-arm off-spinner Nahida Akter, right-arm off-spinner Sultana Khatun, and leg-spinners Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Shorna Akter provide a balanced mix of options.
With Murshida Khatun serving as a dependable opener and several anchors in the middle order, the bulk of the batting responsibility will rest on skipper Nigar. She will be pursuing historic wins in this World Cup, following a recent upsurge in international cricket marked by Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI win in New Zealand and a T20I win in South Africa.
At the 2024 World Cup, Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Scotland in Sharjah on October 3 in the curtain-raiser. They will then compete against England, South Africa, and the West Indies in the group stage, where they are placed in Group B.