The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday (Sep 18) announced the squad for the Women's Twenty20 World Cup, leaving out experienced campaigner Rumana Ahmed. Uncapped batter Taj Nehar made room in the side for the first time as Bangladesh brought five changes from the squad which played in the Asia Cup in July. Along with Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim were also axed, paving the way for Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani and Disha Biswas.
The BCB announced the squad in a video message on social media. Expatriate Bangladeshis from different countries of the world announced the players' name. BCB announced the team in such way to honor the fans and followers of Bangladeshi cricket spread all over the world. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of the Bangladesh national team congratulated the Women's team at the end of the 2 minute 41 second video.
"The fans and supports, spread all over the world is our biggest strength. They have been following our cricket religiously. So to honour them, we have given them the opportunity to name the squad," said BCB women's wing chief Habibul Bashar Sumon during a press conference in Mirpur.
The 26-year-old top-order batter Taj Nehar was in the Bangladesh 'A' team for the tour of Sri Lanka. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed said, Taj was the original replacement of former captain Rumana. "Rumana did not do well in the Asia Cup. Her batting lacked power to match T20 style at this moment, so we consider Taj Nehar in her place," Sajjad Ahmed said.
Another senior cricketer Salma Khatun has not been in the national team for almost a year. The chief selector said the BCB has other thoughts about Salma and Rumana. "We have spoken to both Salma and Rumana. If they want to play one last match for the country, of course we will try to see them in the field. They can be placed in other roles on the board even after leaving the game. However, the decision has to be taken by them," he added.
Sajjad Ahmed also admitted that the recent form of batter Sobhana Mushtari who made room in the team is not good. "It's true, she's not playing as well as we expected. But right now we have no choice. We tried Ishma Tanjim in the Asia Cup. But she did not do well in the Asia Cup or in the National League before that."
"She (Sobhana) basically plays at No 3. But she can also play down the order if necessary. She is flexible about her batting position, so we can consider her in any place in the batting order."
This Women's T20 World Cup was supposed to be held in Bangladesh but due to the recent political unrest, it was moved to the United Arab Emirates. The BCB though retained the rights of the hosts.
Habibul Bashar Sumon, head of the women's wing believes that nothing could have been better for the women's team if the tournament was held in Bangladesh. However, he is relieved that the weather in UAE is not so hot at this time. Bashar is also hopeful that the support of the Bangladeshis living in the UAE will also give the team an edge.
Bangladesh are going to the T20 World Cup, playing considerable number of matches. Between March and May this year, Bangladesh cricketers played T20 series against Australia and India women's team in Dhaka and Sylhet.
In the Asia Cup held in July, they beat Thailand and Malaysia but lost to India and Sri Lanka.
BCB's women's wing feels that women's team should be kept in a winning mood before the World Cup. To get them out of the stream of losses, the 'A' team is sent to Sri Lanka mainly under the guise of national team cricketers, most of whom are in the World Cup team.
After winning the T20 series against Sri Lanka 'A' team with two matches remaining, the chief selector hopes that this experience of winning will be useful for the women in the World Cup as well.
"I am hopeful that if we can play with 100 percent of our ability, then surely something good will happen. And if we can play with 110 percent of my ability, then there is a possibility of going to the semi-finals," Sajjad concluded.
Bangladesh squad
Nigar Sultana Joty (capt), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas.
