Key takeaways from Bangladesh’s Cricket World Cup 2025 squad

Bangladesh unveiled their squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 that commences on 30 September.

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter

Here are the major takeaways from the Nigar Sultana Joty-led squad:

In-form batting duo

A big positive for Bangladesh going into the marquee tournament is the form of batting mainstays, Sharmin Akter and Nigar Sultana Joty.

The duo had finished among the top run-getters behind Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan earlier this year.

While Sharmin Akter amassed 266 runs, averaging a stellar 66.50, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty was third in the runs tally with 241 runs from five innings, which included a century.

The 28-year-old had captained Bangladesh in their maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2022, and will carry the hopes of the team in the upcoming tournament.

Spin-bowling resources

A major assistance to Bangladesh in the sub-continent conditions with the ball will come from their spin bowling attack.

The likes of Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter were instrumental in sealing their qualification for the Cricket World Cup in the Qualifier tournament in Pakistan.

Adding to their spin-power will be left-arm orthodox, Shanjida Akther Maghla. The 24-year-old has a solitary ODI outing to her name, but has proved her mettle in the shortest format for Bangladesh, snapping 18 wickets from 20 matches.

Trust in young guns

Bangladesh have shown immense faith in up-and-coming talents, Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter. The duo had represented Bangladesh earlier this year at the U19 Women’s World Cup.

Sumaiya Akter, who had captained the team at the tournament, had also finished as their leading run-getter in Malaysia.

Akter made her ODI debut in March 2024 during the home series against Australia, and has been rewarded for her consistent returns in the domestic season and for the Bangladesh Emerging Team. Meanwhile, Nishita Akter Nishi also boasts a couple of ODI outings, having received her maiden ODI cap back in 2023.

Sazzad Ahmed Mansur, chief selector of the BCB Women's Wing, praised the duo and believes the two have the skillset to shine on the big stage.

“Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity," Mansur said.

“She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.

“Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skill set and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”

Maiden call-up

Receiving her first ODI call-up is Rubya Haider Jhelik. The 28-year-old has six T20I outings to her name for Bangladesh and is set to play in her first World Cup.

The wicket-keeper-batter had also featured against South Africa’s Emerging Team at home earlier this summer.

“Rubya has earned her place through sheer hard work,” Mansur said.

“Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a backup opener.”

Bangladesh will begin their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo.

When the two teams locked horns at the previous edition of the tournament back in 2022, Bangladesh had edged out Pakistan to clinch their first-ever Women's Cricket World Cup win.