With as many as five changes to their squad from their most recent campaign in July 2024, Bangladesh has made public a balanced yet inexperienced squad of 15 for the forthcoming Twenty20 (T20) World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
After series defeats to Australia and India on home soil, Bangladesh progressed to the semi-final of the Asia Cup, their most recent campaign. They secured victories against Thailand and Malaysia but lost their other league games to hosts and eventual champions Sri Lanka, as well as their semi-final match against India.
The chops and changes to this squad see Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Shorifa Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, and Sabikun Nahar Jesmin omitted from the World Cup lineup. They make way for uncapped talents Taj Nehar and Disha Biswas, as well as Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun, and Sobhana Mostary.
Nigar Sultana Joty will continue to lead the squad at the World Cup as the team seeks their maiden victory in T20 World Cups since winning a couple in their debut in 2014. Despite recent struggles, Nigar’s confidence will be buoyed by their first-ever wins in South Africa (T20I) and New Zealand (ODI).
Nigar can also rely on seasoned campaigners – Nahida Akter with the ball and Murshida Khatun with the bat – especially Murshida, who opens the batting in an otherwise inexperienced lineup. With Fargana Hoque Pinky, Shamima Sultana, and Rumana Ahmed omitted, Bangladesh will be without three of their top five leading run-scorers in the format for the World Cup.
Nigar, with 1,944 runs, is the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in T20Is, followed by Murshida Khatun with 910 runs, ranked 3rd. Notably, none of the other players named in this World Cup squad have surpassed 500 T20I runs. With a seasoned bowling attack to support them, Nigar and Murshida will need to carry the bulk of the batting workload.
The return of Fahima Khatun, Bangladesh’s fifth-highest T20I wicket-taker with 49 wickets, boosts their bowling attack, which features top wicket-taker Nahida Akter (99) and leading pace bowler Jahanara Alam (58). This seasoned core is supported by emerging talents, including spinners Rabeya Khan (31) and Shorna Akter (13), and pacer Marufa Akter (18).
Bangladesh’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Dilara Akter (WK), Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Disha Biswas, Shathi Rani
Meanwhile, opening batter Shathi Rani returns to the squad after her last appearance against Pakistan in September 2023, following a standout domestic season where she amassed 284 runs at a strike rate of 151.06. Taj Nehar also showed promise in the same T20 competition, and if these few players come together effectively, Bangladesh could end their losing streak.
Placed in Group B, Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Scotland in the tournament opener, followed by league matches against England, the West Indies, and South Africa.
