Bangladesh set lofty goal for Asia Cup campaign in Dubai
Nigar Sultana Joty is aiming for a top two finish for Bangladesh at the Asia Cup and a medal at the Asian Games later this year ahead of a busy upcoming schedule.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty has high expectations for her side as they get set to embark on the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai.
Sultana Joty's side arrive in Dubai later this week ahead of their Asia Cup opener against Indonesia on Monday and have further fixtures against reigning champions Sri Lanka and tournament hosts UAE in what appears a tight Group B.
A top-two finish in the group will ensure Bangladesh progress to the knockout stages of the event, but Sultana Joty wants to finish on top of their group to try and avoid facing the top-placed team from Group A which could potentially be tournament favourites India.
“Our main target this time is to play in the final. We have played in the semi-finals before and then been knocked out. The same thing has happened repeatedly, so we want to break that barrier this time,” Sultana Joty said.
“The group-stage matches are very important because if we can become group champions, we will not have to face India in the semi-final. The situation becomes much tougher when we face India in the semi-finals."
Nigar Sultana Joty – a leader Bangladesh look up to
Following the Asia Cup in Dubai, Bangladesh will head to Japan next month for the Asian Games tournament which will be held in Nisshin from September 17-22 and will feature eight sides in the women's draw.
Bangladesh will take on China in their opening contest at the event and Sultana Joty believes her side can pick up a medal if they perform at their best.
“If we can play the Asia Cup in a better way, it will also create a big opportunity for us in the Asian Games,” she said.
“If you talk about the Asian Games, our first target is to go there and win a medal.
“There are a lot of expectations from our team. We want to bring home a medal, and if it is gold, that would be even bigger. We will certainly try to do that.
“First comes the Asia Cup, so if we can perform better there, that will definitely have a reflection on the Asian Games. If we can adapt to the conditions and play better cricket, we will have a good chance of doing well in both tournaments."
Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna