To launch a global tournament on a winning note is something each team would have on their bucket list. However, Bangladesh Women’s 16-run triumph over Sri Lanka Women would mean so much more for skipper Nigar Sultana & Co.
After all, it has been 16 games across a four-season-long stretch amounting to 10 long years after which they tasted success in the Women’s World Cup. Needless to say, Sultana was overjoyed while expressing her sentiments at the post-match ceremony. Sultana further expounded on the in-game strategy her side employed and credited Shathi Rain, Sobhana Mostary, the spinners, and Marufa Akter’s performances.
“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. We had in our minds that this is our moment. Means a lot!” stated Sultana during the post-match ceremony.
“This is the kind of wicket we need to be settled on. It was not very easy to bat on initially. Building a partnership (between Rani and Mostary) was crucial for us. We had a good total and we kept believing in ourselves. We have a very good spin attack, with Marufa also doing well, so we were confident about it (the defense). (On her batting lower than usual) We are trying to do something different,” Bangladesh Women skipper continued.
Seeing them smile is the biggest inspiration: Sultana
Furthermore, Sultana also shed light on her biggest source of motivation. Bangladesh has been under quite some political strife in the recent past. Quite a few of the cricketers were affected by the violence in one way or the other. With this victory, the Tigresses will only strive for enhanced results and are sure to derive a lot of fuel to succeed in their campaign. Bangladesh Women will now face England Women next in what will be an evening game.
“We are trying to get the momentum and we got it. Very happy that we fought back and seeing them (the girls) smile is the biggest inspiration,” Sultana concluded.