Bangladesh have made five changes for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, axing experienced allrounder Rumana Ahmed while handing a maiden call-up to uncapped top-order batter Taj Nehar. Sobhana Mostary, Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun, and Disha Biswas return to the team.
Rumana Ahmed, an 87-time T20I veteran, did not find a place in the final squad after a series of underwhelming performances both in the Women’s National Cricket League and the Asia Cup. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed said Rumana’s batting lacked aggression for the T20 format that paved the way for the inclusion of Taj Nehar.
“We selected Rumana in the Asia Cup, where, unfortunately, she didn’t perform,” he said. “She is a middle-order bat who isn’t batting the way that is needed in T20s.”
Fahima Khatun, 32, a legspinner who has appeared in five T20 World Cups, returns to the side after taking six wickets in six NCL matches. Opener Shathi Rani, the highest rungetter in the NCL, is retained with 284 runs at a strike rate of 151.06.
Returning to the team is Disha Biswas, the 20-year-old allrounder, who was picked for the senior T20 World Cup but hasn’t played yet. Sobhana Mostary, who didn’t quite find much success in the NCL has been included as there hardly are any choices available to bat at no. 3.
Bangladesh, with captain Nigar Sultana, has a balance of experience and younger players: Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, and new abilities such as Taj Nehar, and Disha Biswas are all going to form a team for the future.
Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Nigar Sultana (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
In: Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani and Disha Biswas
Out: Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim
Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign on October 3 against Scotland as part of a double-header on the opening day. The changes represent an attempt by Bangladesh to bridge the experience and aggression so needed to achieve success.
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