Cricket Excitement Builds as Bangladesh Women’s Squad Announced for Asia Cup
Dhaka, June 23, 2024 – Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup, and the selectors have announced a squad featuring some familiar faces and promising newcomers.
The experienced duo of Rumana Ahmed and Jahanara Alam have been recalled to the team after more than a year’s absence. Rumana, an allrounder, and Jahanara, a seamer, have amassed 134 and 130 international caps, respectively, and their inclusion is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s balance and experience.
“Rumana and Jahanara were out of the team for 12 months. We have to keep in mind that there is very little 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, and it is a good news for us that we can get their experience in our squad, which allows us to have a balanced squad.”
In addition to the veteran duo, the selectors have also called up opener Ishma Tanjim and left-arm spinner Sabikun Nahar, both of whom are highly regarded by the team management.
“Ishma Tanjim is a free-flowing opening batter. She plays some great shots, and 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,” Sajjad explained.
Regarding Sabikun Nahar, the selector said, “Sabikun Nahar is a left-arm spinner who can partner Nahida [Akter]. I feel her pace, variation and accuracy will release pressure on Nahida.”
The selectors have made some tough decisions, leaving out Habiba Islam, Fahima Khatun, Sobhana Mostary and Fariha Trisna from the team that played against India in May.
Sajjad is optimistic about the team’s chances in the Asia Cup, stating, “I think we have a great prospect in the Asia Cup this year. We open the tournament against Sri Lanka. If we win that game, we have a great chance of playing in the semi-final.”
Bangladesh’s Asia Cup campaign will begin on July 20 against Sri Lanka, followed by matches against Thailand and Malaysia on July 22 and 24, respectively.
🔗 Source