Bangladesh Preview: Tigers aim to make solid impression in first World Cup
The appointment of Sultana as captain right before the World Cup qualifiers was a step in a new direction for the team, with Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam, Salma Khatun, Fargana Hoque and Nahida Akter forming the core of the new-look side.
Bangladesh secured qualification on the basis of their ICC Ranking, after the Qualifiers were cancelled in late 2021 due to Covid-19.
With qualification ensured, Bangladesh will now focus on putting out their best in the big event. But they do not have much game-time behind them, with the team having played just six ODIs since 2019, the least of any of the teams at the tournament in that time period.
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They have, however, had more experience in T20Is, recently playing in the Commonwealth Games qualifiers, where they lost just one of their four games. While the result wasn't enough to send them to Birmingham 2022, Bangladesh's players gained valuable game time, one that will stand them in good stead as they head to New Zealand for their first-ever Women's World Cup.
THE SQUAD
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana, Fahima Khatun, Mst Ritu Moni, Murshida Khatun, Nahida Akter, Most. Sharmin Akter Supta, Lata Mondol, Sobhana Mostary, Mst Fariha Islam Trisna, Suraiya Azmim, Shanjida Akther Maghla.
LOOK OUT FOR
Fargana Hoque
The 28-year old Fargana Hoque will be the lynchpin in the Bangladesh batting line-up. With an average of over 67 in her last six ODIs, dating back to 2019, Fargana is in good form. She also top-scored with a 45 against Pakistan in Bangladesh's only match of the qualifiers.
The first and only Bangladesh player to make more than 1000 T20I runs, Fargana will hope to translate her experience in the shortest format into the biggest stage of them all.
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KEY PLAYER
Rumana Ahmed
The senior all-rounder Rumana Ahmed is Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 45 scalps at an average of 24.26.
With more than a decade of experience behind her, Rumana is an integral part of the line-up and has a formidable record with the bat too in the last couple of years, averaging more than 60. Her three-wicket haul and brilliant unbeaten half-century were critical to Bangladesh beating Pakistan in the Women's World Cup qualifier late last year.
BIG MATCH
Pakistan – 14 March
Bangladesh's most important game will be against Pakistan, a team they recently stunned in the World Cup Qualifiers. In the opening game of the Qualifiers in Harare, Bangladesh recovered from a tricky 98/4 to chase down 202 to win with two balls to spare.
In 11 head-to-head matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh have won five, including three of the last four matches. Looking to make an impression in their inaugural Women's World Cup, Bangladesh will hope to grab a win against these familiar foes.
Bangladesh celebrate WCWC qualifier win over Pakistan
WHAT THE CAPTAIN SAID
"Of our current squad, openers Murshida Khatun and Sharmin Akhter Supta played well in the qualifiers and are in very good touch. Rumana Ahmed has always been there when our team needed her and Salma Khatun is one of the best all-rounders in the world.
"In the bowling attack, we have added a fast young bowler, Suraiya Azmin, who the cricket world hasn’t seen very much of yet, and Fariha Trisna offers a left-arm option.
"We have three former captains – Salma, Rumana and Jahanara Alam – in our team, who are helping me a lot and I’m taking on board all their advice.
"On a personal level, it is a great opportunity for me to lead the team into our first-ever World Cup. If we could do well here, it’s going to be a great historical moment for all of us."
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
This will be the first time Bangladesh have played at an ICC Women's ODI World Cup.
BANGLADESH'S FIXTURES
- 5 March – v South Africa
- 7 March – v New Zealand
- 14 March – v Pakistan
- 18 March – v West Indies
- 22 March – v India
- 25 March – v Australia
- 27 March – v England
