All-rounders Rumana and Seamer Jahanara have played 134 and 130 international matches respectively, but the Bangladesh selectors seem to have left them out in favour of a relatively young team. However, the recent back-to-back T20I series defeats to Australia (3-0) and India (5-0) have made them reconsider.
Jahanara is the top scorer of the Dhaka Premier Division Women’s Cricket League (DPDWCL) this season with 25 wickets in nine matches, while leg-spinner Rumana has 17 wickets.
“Rumana and Jahanara have been out of the team for 12 months. We have to bear in mind that there are hardly any training facilities for women cricketers, so it is a credit to them that they have maintained their fitness,” said women’s chief selector Sajjad Ahmed. “They have performed very well in the Premier League. It is good news for us to be able to bring their experience into our squad and help us build a balanced squad.”
“Ishma Tanzeem is a free-flowing opener. She plays some great shots,” Sajad said. “She is technically very fit. She has a strike rate of almost 100 (DPDWCL), which is second only to Dhirara Akhter. She has scored some good runs in some games and that is what prompted me to select her. Sabikun Nahar is a left-handed spinner who can partner Nahida (Akhter). I think her pace, variation and accuracy will take the pressure off Nahida.”
Bangladesh have left out Habiba Islam, Fahima Khatun, Sobhana Mostarri and Fariha Trisna from the squad that played against India in May. Sajjad said he hopes the squad can help Bangladesh reach the Asia Cup semi-finals.
“I think we have a great prospect in the Asia Cup this year,” he said. “We start the tournament against Sri Lanka. If we win that game, there’s a good chance we’ll make it to the semi-finals.”
Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka on July 20, followed by Thailand and Malaysia on July 22 and 24 respectively.
Nigar Sultana (Captain, Lord), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Rubya Haider, Shorna Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar and Shorifa Khatun.
