Bangladesh have opted for youthful energy in their 15-player squad for this year’s Women’s World Cup, handing places to 17-year-old off-spinner Nishita Akter and 19-year-old top-order batter Sumaiya Akter. Both featured at February’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia and now jump straight into the senior set-up for the tournament that starts on 2 October in Colombo.
Also recalled is 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Rubya Haider. She has six T20Is to her name but is yet to debut in the 50-over format. Between them the trio have only three senior ODIs and seven T20Is, none this calendar year, so the call-ups represent a clear gamble on potential rather than experience.
Fellow keeper Dilara Akter, all-rounder Jannatul Ferdus and seamer Ishma Tanjim make way. That trio played in April’s qualifying event, where Bangladesh edged West Indies by 0.013 on net run-rate but have not played an international since. Match practice has come instead via a string of unofficial fixtures against the national Under-15 boys’ side.
Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed explained the thinking behind the fresh faces. “Rubya has earned her place through sheer hard work,” he said. “Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a back-up opener.”
Turning to the youngsters, Sajjad was equally upbeat. “Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.”
On Sumaiya, he added: “Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skillset and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”
The rest of the squad is familiar. Captain Nigar Sultana again leads, with left-arm spinner Nahida Akter her deputy. Senior hands Fargana Hoque, Fahima Khatun and quick bowler Marufa Akter provide ballast in a group that has not tasted competitive cricket for four months—a concern the coaching staff acknowledge privately, though they hope the recent low-profile run-outs will at least sharpen fielding and match fitness.
Bangladesh open against Pakistan in Colombo, even though India host the wider competition. All Pakistan fixtures have been moved to the Sri Lankan capital, a logistical wrinkle teams have already baked into their planning. After Pakistan, Bangladesh face defending champions Australia before a kinder middle stretch; progression may hinge on those mid-tournament meetings with Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Squad: Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter (vc), Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter.
In: Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter
Out: Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Ishma Tanjim
Plenty of eyes will be on the two teenagers. Whether they influence results immediately or simply bank experience for the future, their selection signals Bangladesh’s willingness to fast-track emerging talent—a policy that could prove decisive in a tournament where spin depth and middle-order resilience often separate the contenders from the chasing pack.
