“We want to make this World Cup count”: Nigar Sultana
Media Release
- This column by Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana is for editorial use giving credit to the ICC
We are preparing to play our second ICC Women's Cricket World Cup which we are sure will be a great tournament. We are super excited and hopeful, and we want to make it count for us this time.
Our first experience of playing an ODI World Cup three years ago in New Zealand was an eye-opening experience for the team.
We made history last time, securing our first-ever win at a World Cup by beating Pakistan in a game I will never forget.
Fargana Hoque top-scored for us that day and has been selected again for the squad.
As the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh, she is vital to our success, as is Sharmin Akhter, who has responded well to moving down the order to number three.
Sharmin scored the most runs for us as we made it through the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan.
Also, key to our success were our spin bowlers, and I expect them to thrive in India and Sri Lanka, just as they did in Pakistan.
Nahida Akter is our leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is, and is such a key player for us.
She is one of seven returning players from the 2022 squad, and they will each bring important experience to share with those who are yet to have the honour of representing their country at an ODI World Cup.
It is special for Shanjida Akther Maghla to get to make her World Cup debut after being a reserve player for the last edition.
We have some other new players in the squad, including Rubya Haider, who is yet to make her debut in one-day cricket.
It is exciting to know she may make her first appearance at a World Cup and to also have her support me as a wicket-keeper.
Alongside the experienced Ritu Moni, we have a young set of all-rounders with plenty of potential in the form of Shorna Akter, Sumaiya Akter and Rabeya Khan.
Sumaiya and Nishita Akter Nishi were both part of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup campaign earlier this year, and at just 17, Nishita is a very exciting talent.
Also making their one-day World Cup debut is Marufa Akter, who has already caught the attention of many, and I hope that only continues.
We have been practicing very hard for the last few months and hope we can be at our best game in this wonderful moment.
I am seeking prayers from Bangladeshi people and fans from the around the world.