Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team Revises Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Ritu Moni returns to the Bangladesh squad for the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, while Murshida Khatun and others are dropped due to underperformance. The team includes Jannatul Ferdus and uncapped Ishma Tanjim, who both showed promise in recent tournaments. The qualifiers will take place in Lahore from April 5 to 19 against several teams, vying for World Cup spots.

Ritu Moni has made a significant return to the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Lahore next month, following her last ODI appearance against Ireland in December. The squad sees four changes from the team that faced the West Indies in January, with notable absentees including Murshida Khatun, Lata Mondal, Sultana Khatun, and Taj Nehar, each having underperformed in their recent outings.

Murshida Khatun struggled during her last series, scoring only 53 runs across three ODIs, while Sultana Khatun managed just two wickets from her limited appearances. Lata Mondal and Taj Nehar did not make significant contributions in the T20Is against the West Indies, leading to their omission from the squad.

In contrast, Jannatul Ferdus, who has not played an ODI since 2018, returns to the team alongside the uncapped Ishma Tanjim, who excelled in the recent Women’s Dhaka Premier League. Ferdus topped the tournament’s wicket-takers with 21 wickets, while Moni secured 18, further supporting their selection.

The Bangladesh team is set to arrive in Lahore on April 3, with the qualifiers scheduled from April 5 to 19. Five teams will compete for two spots in the eight-team World Cup set to be held in India later this year. Bangladesh’s opponents include West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and hosts Pakistan.

The final Bangladesh squad comprises Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Akther, Marufa Akter, and Ritu Moni.

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team has undergone notable changes ahead of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, with experienced players returning and underperformers being dropped. Ritu Moni and Jannatul Ferdus’ comebacks signal a strengthened squad, as they prepare to compete for a spot in the World Cup later this year. The team’s performance will be critical in the upcoming matches in Lahore.

Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com