Nigar Sultana issues T20WC challenge to Bangladesh teammates

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana believes her side is better than the team that won just one match at the most recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup and has challenged her peers to change history at the upcoming edition of the tournament.

The Asian side enter the upcoming event in England and Wales on the back of an unbeaten run at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier at the start of the year and with a point to prove after just three wins in total from six tournament appearances since their debut back in 2014.

Two of those victories came in that inaugural tournament appearance in 2014, while Bangladesh enjoyed some success at the most recent T20 World Cup when they broke a 10-year drought when defeating Scotland in their opening match of the 2024 event in Sharjah.

That victory over Scotland coupled with some recent good form at the Qualifier for the T20 World Cup has provided Nigar with optimism and the Bangladesh captain is quietly confident her side can add to their tournament triumphs.

"We were coming from a long winless road (at the T20 World Cup)," Nigar said.

"But I am not seeing this as a pressure. Rather I am taking this as a challenge to change history."

"Winning that match (against Scotland) in Sharjah at the last T20 World Cup gave us a great feeling, even though we couldn't win the rest of our games."

Nigar will be supported at the T20 World Cup by vice-captain Nahida Akter, while the likes of Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter provide depth to a strong batting group that the Bangladesh skipper will lead.

Marufa Akter and Fariha Islam Trisna are the only two regular pace options within Bangladesh's 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, with the side likely to lean heavily on their strong spin bowling department - that includes Rabeya Khan and Nahida - during the 20-over showcase.

Nigar believes the side has more options with bat and ball than in previous years and is expecting a strong showing during the T20 World Cup.

"Since last year, I feel we have developed a much better team combination, and we need to increase our win count," she said.

"In T20s, more players are stepping up now compared to before. We want to play better on the global stage and win more matches consistently."

Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar

T20 World Cup Group Matches:

14 June, Bangladesh v Netherlands, Edgbaston, Birmingham
17 June, Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley, Leeds
20 June, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
25 June, India v Bangladesh, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
28 June, South Africa v Bangladesh, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London