Bangladesh Women vs South Africa Women. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia as part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. Nigar Sultana Joty will lead the side, with Nahida Akter named as her deputy.
The series is of huge importance for Bangladesh in their pursuit to directly qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. They currently sit at the seventh position in the Championship standings, with Australia leading the way. A good showing against the world champions could potentially propel them up the table.
The squad has a good blend of experience and youth. Veteran top-order batswoman Fargana Hoque Pinky returns, along with the seasoned duo of Murshida Khatun and Sobhana Mostary. Young talents like 15-year-old off-spinner Nishita Akter Nishi and uncapped Farzana Hoque Lisa have earned call-ups on the back of impressive domestic performances.
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First ODI between Bangladesh Women and Australia Women to take place on 21st March
However, the BCB has made the tough call to leave out former skipper Shamima Sultana and all-rounder Lata Mondol, who are named as reserves. Seamers Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alam also miss out on selection.
Bangladesh have so far never defeated Australia in an ODI or T20I match across their 16 meetings. But they will draw confidence from their performances in the ICC World Cup 2022, where they pulled off an upset over Pakistan. Notably, the first ODI will take place on March 21, at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. While the remaining two games will be played on March 24 and March 27, respectively. A three-match T20I series will follow the ODIs at the same venue from March 31 to April 4.
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Bangladesh squad for the ODI series against Australia women :
Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Hoque Lisa
Schedule of the series :
Date
1st ODI
March 21
2nd ODI
March 24
3rd ODI
March 27
1st T20I
March 31
2nd T20I
April 2
3rd T20I
April 4