Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup 2024 announced

Published - 24 Jun 2024, 02:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM

Jahanara Alam Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

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Bangladesh have decided to recall their experienced duo Jahanara Alam and Rumana Ahmed ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 to be held in Sri Lanka from July 19-28.

The BCB decided to take this call to value experience within the squad. Rumana last played for Bangladesh in the Women's World Cup in 2023 while Jahanara last played against Sri Lanka in an away bilateral series in May 2023.

The experienced players were recalled back into the squad on the back of their performance in the Dhaka Premier Division Women's Cricket League 2023-24. Rumana made 241 runs and also took 17 wickets for champions Mohammedan Sporting Club while Jahanara, who represented Abahani Limited, finished with the highest wickets (25) in the tournament.

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BCB have further included uncapped opening batter Ishma Tanjim and left-arm spinner Sabikun Nahar Jesmin in the 15-member squad for the tournament. Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, and Habiba Islam Pinky, who were part of the T20I series against India at home have failed to retain their spots.

Also Read: Shubman Gill set to become India's new captain after T20 World Cup 2024; Rohit Sharma's tenure to end

Bangladesh Placed In Group B Alongside Sri Lanka, Thailand And Malaysia

Bangladesh are placed alongside Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia in Group B. They kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka on July 20 and then play against Thailand and Malaysia on July 22 and 24, all scheduled in Dambulla.

India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Nepal, and the UAE. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals to be played on July 26. The final will be played on July 28. The India vs Pakistan game is scheduled for July 21.

India Women's Team Have Won The Asia Cup 7 Times

Yet again, the Indian women's team has an opportunity to win the Asia Cup title. They have won the title seven times out of the eight editions of the tournament played. Bangladesh won the other edition in 2018. Pakistan and Sri Lanka women's teams are yet to win an Asia Cup title.

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Jay Shah, said of the tournament's expansion: "We are excited to see the increased participation and competitiveness among the teams, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of women's cricket. This expansion, from six teams in 2018 to seven in 2022, and now eight, is a testament to our commitment to the women's game and the burgeoning talent pool in Asian cricket."

The ACC further confirmed that the Asia Cup will have only women umpires like the last edition of the tournament. The tournament will be a perfect dress rehearsal for the Asian teams ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup to be played in Bangladesh in September later this year.

Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Shorna Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin and Shorifa Khatun