Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is looking forward to a spirited effort from the women’s team at the T20 World Cup. Uncapped Under-19 batter Shorna Akter received a maiden call-up to the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in South Africa in February.
Disha Biswas, Marufa Akter, and Dilara Akter are three other under-19 teammates of Shorna who have been picked for the squad. They had been a part of the national team during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand. All four cricketers are part of the inaugural edition of the ongoing ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup.
Shorna and Dilara are among the top-7 run-getters in the tournament so far. Marufa is among the top wicket-takers in the tournament at the moment.
Women’s Selector Monjural Islam has mentioned that the four women have been picked for the side after their impressive performances in the tournament.
“We formed the team thinking about the format and the format is T20 and we will be playing in South Africa. The Under-19 World Cup is currently played in South Africa and after that our women’s national team’s T20s will be played,” said the former international cricketer.
“There are few young performers like Under-19 skipper Disha, Dilara, Shorna and Marufa and they are performing there. They (three Under-19 players) have been with us during the tour of New Zealand and along with them we have included experienced campaigner as well. We have formed the team keeping the condition in mind.”
Captain Nigar Sultana is hopeful of a good performance from the “balanced” squad she has at her disposal
Nigar Sultana seemed quite happy with the 15-woman squad that has been picked for the world cup.
“The team is well balanced and there are lots of young talented cricketers in the squad and along with them there are couples of experienced campaigners in the team as well so I am hopeful with the team,” said Nigar.
Shamima Sultana and Sobhana Mostary were not a part of the squad that travelled to New Zealand. They have made a comeback into the squad. The likes of Sharmin Akhter Supta, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Fariha Trisna, Rabeya, and Sanjida Akther Maghla have been left out.
The Asian side will hope to give a good account of themselves. The team will leave Dhaka for Cape Town on January 23. They will have a practice camp in South Africa. This will be followed by a couple of practice matches against Ireland.
ICC T20 World Cup 2023: Bangladesh squad
Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Marufa Akter, Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana, Rumana Ahmed, Lata Mondol, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni, Disha Biswas, Sobhana Mostary.
Standby: Rabeya, Sanjida Akther Maghla, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Sharmin Akter Supta
