The Bangladesh Cricket Board named the national squad for the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 scheduled in Sri Lanka from July 19-28.
Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara recalled for Bangladesh Squad
Bangladesh has brought in an experienced Rumana Ahmed and Jahanara Alam duo after being sidelined from the squad for the Women’s Asia Cup starting next month.
Although Rumana and Jahanara have played 134 and 130 respectively, the Bangladesh selectors have opted for the younger side in previous outings which resulted in back-to-back defeats in the T20I series of Australia Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2024 and India women’s tour of Bangladesh 2024.
Jahanara was the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Dhaka Premier Division Women’s Cricket League picking 25 wickets in nine matches while legspinner Rumana took 17 wickets.
“Rumana and Jahanara were out of the team for 12 months. We have to keep in mind that there are very few training facilities for our female cricketers, so it is to their credit that they held on to their fitness,” women’s chief selector Sajjad Ahmed said.
“They performed very well in the Premier League. It is good news for us that we can get their experience in our squad, which allows us to have a balanced squad.”
Ishma Tanjim and Sabikun Nahar are also called up for the upcoming Asia Cup. “Ishma Tanjim is a free-flowing opening batter. She plays some great shots,” Sajjad said.
“She is technically very sound. She had a nearly 100 strike rate [in the DPDWCL], second-highest behind Dilara Akter. She made runs in some good matches, which prompted me to pick her. Sabikun Nahar is a left-arm spinner who can partner with Nahida [Akter]. I feel her pace, variation, and accuracy will release pressure on Nahida.”
Habiba Islam, Fahima Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, and Fariha Trisna from the squad that played against India last month. “I think we have a great prospect in the Asia Cup this year,” he said. “We open the tournament against Sri Lanka. If we win that game, we have a great chance of playing in the semi-final.”
Bangladesh will play their first match in the tournament against Sri Lanka on July 20 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Bangladesh Squad for Women’s Asia Cup
Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Rubya Haider, Shorna Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar, Shorifa Khatun
