Bangladesh have unveiled their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the tournament set to start in England on June 12. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has named just two specialist pace options—Marufa Akhter and Fariha Islam Trisna—while bringing Taj Nehar back into the squad, replacing Sharmin Sultana in the final group for the global event.
Key takeaways
- Bangladesh have selected Marufa Akhter and Fariha Islam Trisna as the only two pace bowlers for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Taj Nehar returns to the T20 squad after Sharmin Sultana misses out for the tournament.
- Eleven members from Bangladesh’s previous Women’s T20 World Cup squad have been retained.
- Chief selector Sazzad Ahmed said Bangladesh’s pace resources are limited due to injuries, especially at crucial moments.
- The selectors have backed spin, citing wicket behaviour in recent times that has tended to support spin-friendly conditions.
- Bangladesh plan to leave for Edinburgh on May 25 for a tri-series with Scotland and the Netherlands, followed by warm-up matches at Loughborough.
Why Bangladesh opted for a spin-heavy balance
In announcing the team, chief selector Sazzad Ahmed highlighted the challenge Bangladesh face in maintaining a strong pace-bowling unit. He noted that their pace-bowling “pipeline” is narrow and that injuries have repeatedly disrupted their plans when games demand the most from the fast bowlers. With England expected to offer conditions that can favour pace, Ahmed pointed to more recent wicket behaviour, suggesting it has continued to assist spinners—similar to what teams have experienced across the sub-continent where the ball turns significantly.
Taking those factors into account, Ahmed said the side has placed its confidence in spin bowling. He also acknowledged the reality that Bangladesh do not currently have a large pool of specialist pace options available for selection.
Taj Nehar’s inclusion and changes in batting approach
Ahmed also explained why Taj Nehar was brought in at the expense of Sharmin Sultana. He said Sharmin had originally been considered for the ODI format, while Taj Nehar offers greater flexibility as a batter. According to the chief selector, Taj can bat across a wide range—from the top order through to positions as low as No. 6—giving Bangladesh more options to build innings in different match situations.
He further stressed that Bangladesh’s tournament preparation includes addressing scoring concerns, particularly during the latter stages of an innings. Ahmed said Taj Nehar is expected to help solve the team’s problem of putting runs on the board, with a specific emphasis on the final five overs.
Ahmed added that Bangladesh are working to move away from a overly cautious batting mindset. He said a defensive approach is a key concern, and while such habits cannot be changed overnight, the selectors are actively trying to tackle it through preparation and planning.
On the injury front, Ahmed noted that Nigar Sultana is still involved while managing her fitness. He described Joty as a player capable of dominating at the highest level, but said she has been battling injuries for a long time, and that without the injury setbacks she could have reached an even higher standard.
Schedule: tri-series acclimatisation and warm-up phase
Bangladesh’s preparation will begin with travel for a tri-series in Edinburgh. The team is scheduled to depart for the city on May 25, where they will play Scotland and the Netherlands. The purpose of the competition is to acclimatise the players to English conditions ahead of the main tournament.
After the tri-series, Bangladesh are set to move to Loughborough to participate in the official ICC Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches before the event begins in England.
Bangladesh squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
