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Bangladesh Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Nigar Sultana Joty to Lead

News Desk8 months ago8 months ago1655 mins

Bangladesh has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty will continue as captain, leading the team into their second appearance at the prestigious global tournament.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Bangladesh Women’s cricket, as the team aims to build on its experience from the 2022 edition in New Zealand and make a deeper impact on the Asian continent. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent, including two standout performers from the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup—Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter.

🧭 Bangladesh Women’s Squad for ICC World Cup 2025

Player Name	Role	Notable Highlights
Nigar Sultana Joty (C)	Wicketkeeper-Batter	Captain since 2022, consistent middle-order anchor
Nahida Akter	Left-arm Spinner	Vice-Captain, key wicket-taker
Farzana Haque	Top-order Batter	Veteran presence, ODI experience
Rubya Haider Jhelik	Wicketkeeper-Batter	Maiden ODI call-up, played 6 T20Is
Sharmin Akter Supta	Batter	Reliable opener
Sobhana Mostary	Batter	Agile fielder, middle-order contributor
Ritu Moni	All-rounder	Medium pace option, lower-order hitter
Shorna Akter	Batter	Emerging talent, U19 experience
Fahima Khatun	Leg-spinner	Tactical spinner, useful lower-order bat
Rabeya Khan	Right-arm Off-spinner	Economical bowler, consistent performer
Marufa Akter	Fast Bowler	Raw pace, breakthrough potential
Fariha Islam Trisna	Left-arm Pacer	Swing bowler, new-ball specialist
Shanjida Akther Maghla	Batter	Versatile top-order option
Nishita Akter Nishi	Spinner	Youngest squad member, U19 standout
Sumaiya Akter	Batter	Former U19 captain, ODI debut vs Australia

The squad blends experience with youth, aiming to strike a balance between tactical depth and fearless cricket.

📊 Youthful Energy: U19 Stars Earn Senior Call-Ups

Two of the most talked-about inclusions are Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter, both of whom impressed at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Nishita, a 17-year-old spinner from Khulna, has already played two ODIs and is praised for her maturity and ability to contain left-handers. Sumaiya, who captained the U19 team in Malaysia, made her senior debut against Australia in March 2024 and is seen as a future top-order mainstay.

Player Name	U19 WC Role	Senior Team Impact Potential
Nishita Nishi	Spinner	Depth in spin attack, calm under pressure
Sumaiya Akter	Captain, Batter	All-round top-order option, fielding asset

Chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Mansur stated, “Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. Sumaiya brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. Their inclusion adds depth and dynamism to our squad.”

🔍 Bangladesh’s World Cup Campaign Schedule

Bangladesh will kick off their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign against Pakistan on October 2 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The team will also play warm-up matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka on September 25 and 27 respectively.

Match Date	Opponent	Venue
September 25	South Africa (Warm-up)	Navi Mumbai
September 27	Sri Lanka (Warm-up)	Navi Mumbai
October 2	Pakistan (Group Stage)	Colombo

The eight-team tournament will feature round-robin matches followed by semi-finals and a final, with Bangladesh aiming to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.

🧠 Strategic Focus: Leadership, Spin Depth, and Fielding

Bangladesh’s strategy hinges on three pillars—leadership continuity, spin-heavy bowling attack, and agile fielding. With Joty and Nahida Akter at the helm, the team benefits from tactical clarity and experience. The spin department, featuring Fahima, Rabeya, Nishita, and Nahida, is expected to be Bangladesh’s primary weapon on subcontinental pitches.

Strategic Pillar	Key Contributors	Expected Impact
Leadership Stability	Joty, Nahida Akter	Calm decision-making, team unity
Spin Attack	Fahima, Rabeya, Nishita, Nahida	Control in middle overs, wicket-taking
Fielding Standards	Sumaiya, Sobhana, Shorna	Run-saving, pressure-building

The team’s fielding drills have been intensified under head coach Hashan Tillakaratne, with a focus on direct hits and boundary saves.

📉 Bangladesh’s Previous World Cup Performance

Bangladesh made their Women’s World Cup debut in 2022, finishing seventh out of eight teams. Despite spirited performances, the team struggled with batting collapses and lacked finishing power in tight matches.

Year	Tournament Location	Final Standing	Wins	Losses
2022	New Zealand	7th	1	6

The 2025 edition offers a chance for redemption, especially with a more balanced squad and greater exposure to international cricket.

🧠 Coach’s Vision and Preparation

Head coach Hashan Tillakaratne has emphasized mental toughness and adaptability. “We are not just preparing for matches—we are preparing for moments. The girls are hungry, focused, and ready to fight,” he said during a press briefing.

The team has undergone a month-long training camp in Sylhet, focusing on match simulations, fitness, and tactical drills. Special sessions on handling pressure and batting against spin were conducted with former players and mental conditioning experts.

📌 Conclusion

Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 reflects a bold and balanced approach, combining seasoned performers with emerging stars. With Nigar Sultana Joty leading the charge and exciting talents like Nishita Nishi and Sumaiya Akter stepping up, the Bangla Tigresses are poised to make a strong statement on the global stage.

As the countdown to October begins, the team’s focus remains clear: play fearless cricket, honor the jersey, and chase history.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 24, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports, selection, or betting advice.