[CRK] Sharmin Sultana Returns: Bangladesh Women’s T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka

[CRK]

Sharmin Sultana’s Return Highlights Bangladesh T20I Squad

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finalized the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team. The most significant talking point of the announcement is the return of experienced batter Sharmin Sultana. Sultana, who recently made a successful comeback to the One Day International (ODI) format, has now been integrated back into the T20I setup, signaling the team management’s desire for stability at the top of the order.

Sri Lanka Women are currently on a comprehensive tour of Bangladesh, having already concluded the ODI leg of the journey. The visitors secured a hard-fought 2-1 series victory in the ODIs, providing them with a psychological edge heading into the T20I fixtures. Bangladesh, playing on home soil, will be eager to reverse those results and showcase the form that saw them dominate the international stage earlier this year.

Squad Composition: Stability Meets Tactical Tweaks

The national selectors have largely kept faith with the core group that achieved remarkable success in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers. In that tournament, Bangladesh Women were nothing short of clinical, winning all seven of their matches to be crowned unbeaten champions. That performance not only earned them a trophy but also guaranteed their spot in the main World Cup event well ahead of their peers.

The Inclusion of Sharmin Sultana

Sharmin Sultana’s return comes at the expense of veteran batter Fargana Hoque, who has been moved to the standby list. Sultana’s inclusion is seen as a tactical move to bolster the batting depth and provide more options in the powerplay. Having shown glimpses of her classical technique and ability to rotate strike in the ODI series, the selectors believe her presence will offer the necessary balance required to tackle the Sri Lankan spin attack.

Fargana Hoque Moves to Standby

The exclusion of Fargana Hoque from the primary 15-member squad is perhaps the most surprising element of the announcement. As one of the most capped players in Bangladesh’s history, Hoque remains a vital part of the setup, though she will start this series on the standby list. This shift suggests that the BCB is keen on testing new combinations while keeping their experienced stalwarts ready in the wings should the need arise.

Building on World Cup Qualifier Success

The current squad is buoyed by the memory of their unbeaten run in the Qualifiers. Led by the astute Nigar Sultana Joty, the team has developed a reputation for being a disciplined bowling unit supported by athletic fielding. Players like Nahida Akter, the vice-captain, and the young pace sensation Marufa Akter, have become household names due to their ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures.

The middle order, featuring the likes of Ritu Moni and Sobhana Mostary, will look to provide the acceleration needed in the middle overs. The emergence of Shorna Akter as a genuine all-rounder has also given the captain more flexibility in her bowling rotations and batting depth.

The Challenge of Sri Lanka: Lessons from the ODI Series

While Bangladesh enjoyed success in the qualifiers, the Sri Lankan national team presents a different level of challenge. The visitors have shown great resilience, particularly in their ability to chase down totals and maintain pressure during the death overs. The T20I series will be a test of how well the Bangladeshi bowlers can contain the aggressive Sri Lankan top order on the relatively flat tracks of Sylhet.

Venue Spotlight: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

All three matches of the T20I series will be hosted at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Known for its picturesque surroundings and lush green outfield, the venue has recently become a fortress for Bangladesh Women. The matches are scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM local time, allowing for a full evening of high-octane cricket under the lights. The conditions in Sylhet typically offer something for both the seamers early on and the spinners as the game progresses, making for a balanced contest between bat and ball.

Series Schedule and Timings

• 1st T20I: 28 April 2026 – 6 PM
• 2nd T20I: 30 April 2026 – 6 PM
• 3rd T20I: 02 May 2026 – 6 PM

Complete Bangladesh T20I Squad Details

The BCB has named a balanced side featuring a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance:

• Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain)
• Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain)
• Dilara Akter
• Sobhana Mostary
• Fahima Khatun
• Sharmin Akter Supta
• Sharmin Sultana
• Juairiya Ferdous
• Ritu Moni
• Shorna Akter
• Rabeya Khan
• Marufa Akter
• Fariha Islam Trisna
• Sanjida Akter Meghla
• Sultana Khatun

Standby Players: Fargana Hoque, Shorifa Khatun, Farzana Easmin, Tajnehar.

As the Tigresses prepare for the first ball on April 28, the eyes of the nation will be on Nigar Sultana Joty and her team. This series represents more than just a bilateral trophy; it is a vital stepping stone in their preparation for the global stage, providing the perfect platform to fine-tune their strategies against a high-quality opponent.