The Indian women’s cricket team embarks on a crucial tour of Bangladesh, locking horns with the hosts in a five-match T20I series starting on Sunday, April 28th.
This series presents a golden opportunity for the Women in Blue to not only fine-tune their skills but also acclimatize to Bangladeshi conditions ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, both scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year.
Sharpening claws before T20 WC, Asia Cup
With the prestigious Asia Cup and the coveted ICC T20 World Cup 2024 looming on the horizon, this Bangladesh series serves as the perfect platform for the Indian team to get a feel for the pitches and weather they will encounter in the main events.
This exposure will be invaluable in strategizing and preparing for the high-pressure matches to come.
Competitive history: India vs Bangladesh
India boasts a dominant record against Bangladesh in women’s cricket, having won 14 out of 17 T20I encounters. However, the last series played between these two teams in July 2023 was a tightly contested affair.
While India emerged victorious in the T20I series 2-1, the ODI series ended in a dramatic tie after the final game required the very last ball to decide the outcome. This recent history highlights Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness and promises a thrilling series.
Fresh Faces & Familiar Names: IND vs BAN
The series will witness some exciting debuts with youngsters Sajeevan Sajana and Asha Sobhana receiving their maiden call-up for India.
These newcomers will be eager to prove their mettle on the international stage. Meanwhile, experienced campaigners like Smriti Mandhana, fresh off her WPL title win with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will be expected to anchor the batting line-up, especially with Jemimah Rodrigues sidelined.
Bangladesh look to upset the balance:
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be aiming to cause an upset against the more fancied Indian team. Skipper Nigar Sultana will be crucial for their batting performance, while the young talent, 15-year-old Habib Islam Pinky, will be seeking to make a lasting impression. Players like Murshida Khatun, Fahima Khatun, and Rumana Ahmed will also be vital contributors for the hosts.
India Women vs Bangladesh Women T20 series schedule
28 April: First T20I (D/N), Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS)
30 April: Second T20I (D/N), SICS
2 May: Third T20I, SICS Outer
6 May: Fourth T20I, SICS Outer
9 May: Fifth T20I (D/N), SICS
More about India Women Cricket Team:
India vs Bangladesh Women T20 series squad
Bangladesh Women T20I squad
Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam, Shorifa Khatun, Dilara Akter, Rubya Haider, Habiba Islam.
India Women T20I squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, D Hemalatha, Sajana Sajeevan, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, S Asha, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu.
This T20I series promises a compelling battle between an experienced Indian team and a determined Bangladeshi side. For India, it’s a chance to refine their strategies and acclimatize to the conditions. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against one of the best and potentially announce themselves as a major force in women’s cricket. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching this series unfold.
