Bangladesh Ready to Make Their Mark in ICC World Cup

The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team is heading into the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with renewed confidence and bigger ambitions. Led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, the team believes they have evolved into a unit capable of consistently winning matches on the global stage. The World Cup, scheduled to be held from September 30 to November 2 across India and Sri Lanka, is set to be a defining chapter for the Tigresses.

Learning from the Past, Eyeing the Future

The last time Bangladesh featured in the 50-over World Cup, they were debutants. Despite their limited experience, they created history by defeating Pakistan in their very first match. However, consistency remained a challenge, and the team could not build momentum across the tournament.

This time, things are different. According to captain Joty, the team has gained invaluable exposure in both home and away conditions since their maiden World Cup appearance. “Earlier we were inexperienced and unfamiliar with winning on a big stage,” she said during the Captains’ Day event held in Bengaluru and Colombo. “But now we know how to win matches in tournament settings.”

The captain’s words reflect a team that has matured, strengthened its core, and developed the resilience required to perform in major tournaments.

Setting Clear Goals

Unlike the previous edition, the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team is entering the tournament with specific goals. Their immediate target is to secure victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, aiming to surpass their earlier record. Both opponents have been earmarked as beatable, and wins against them would mark significant progress for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will begin their World Cup journey against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo, a match that promises to be a high-stakes clash considering their historical rivalry and Bangladesh’s past success against Pakistan.

Building Confidence Through Warm-Up Matches

Preparation is key to success in a tournament as competitive as the World Cup. Bangladesh played two warm-up matches ahead of the event. The first, against South Africa, was unfortunately washed out due to rain. However, in their second warm-up game against Sri Lanka, the team showed glimpses of their potential.

Opener Sharmin Akter Supta emerged as the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 71 runs. Her innings, which included seven boundaries, provided the stability Bangladesh needed after the early dismissal of Farzana Hoque Pinky. Supta’s 90-run partnership with Rubya Haider Jhilik (33) set the tone for Bangladesh’s innings. Despite a middle-order collapse against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, contributions from Sumaiya Akter (38) and Fahima Khatun (26 not out) helped the side post a respectable total of 242-8.

Although Bangladesh eventually faced challenges in the game, the warm-up proved vital in identifying strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, it gave the batters much-needed time in the middle, boosting confidence ahead of the World Cup opener.

Joty’s Leadership and Vision

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty has become a pivotal figure for Bangladesh women’s cricket. Known for her determination and tactical acumen, Joty believes the team’s responsibility goes beyond just winning matches. “We are aware of our responsibility to promote cricket back home, where interest in women’s cricket is growing,” she emphasized.

Her leadership highlights the dual mission of the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team: to compete fiercely on the world stage and to inspire the next generation of female cricketers back home.

The Rise of Women’s Cricket in Bangladesh

Over the past decade, women’s cricket in Bangladesh has steadily gained popularity. From their Asia Cup triumph in 2018 to consistently challenging stronger opponents, the team has shown that they are capable of creating upsets and delivering memorable performances. The ICC World Cup 2025 presents another golden opportunity for them to showcase their growth.

Cricket analysts believe that the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team now has the right mix of experienced campaigners and young talents. With players like Supta, Fahima, and Sumaiya stepping up alongside seniors like Joty, the squad is well-balanced and prepared to handle high-pressure situations.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the growing confidence, the road ahead is not without hurdles. Competing against cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, and England will test Bangladesh’s consistency and temperament. Maintaining composure in crunch moments, building partnerships, and keeping the bowling unit disciplined will be crucial if Bangladesh is to leave a lasting impression in this World Cup.

At the same time, the targeted wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka are non-negotiable. Achieving these victories would not only boost Bangladesh’s standings but also reaffirm their ability to rise above past limitations.

The Bigger Picture

For the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team, this World Cup is more than just another tournament. It is an opportunity to prove their credentials on the global stage and elevate the status of women’s cricket in Bangladesh. A strong performance could lead to greater recognition, increased investment, and wider participation in women’s cricket at the grassroots level.

As Joty rightly put it, “We believe it is time to give back to our supporters through our performances.” This sentiment reflects the determination within the team to inspire millions of cricket fans across the nation.

Looking Ahead to the Opener

Bangladesh’s first match against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo will set the tone for the rest of their campaign. Having beaten Pakistan in their debut World Cup, the team knows it can repeat history. Pakistan, however, will be eager to avenge that loss, making this fixture a thrilling contest.

If Bangladesh manages to secure an early win, it could provide the momentum needed to push for more victories in the group stages.

The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team enters the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with optimism, maturity, and a clear strategy. From Sharmin Akter Supta’s form with the bat to Nigar’s inspirational leadership, the team appears well-prepared to take on the challenges ahead. Their goals are realistic yet ambitious.

For Bangladesh, this World Cup is not just about results on the scoreboard; it is about inspiring a nation, promoting women’s cricket, and proving that they belong among the best in the world. As the tournament unfolds, fans back home will be watching eagerly, hoping their team can turn belief into reality.