The Bangladesh Tigresses and the Indian Women in Blue are ready to put past controversies and scorching weather behind them as they kick off a five-match T20 series today (Sunday) at the Sylhet International Stadium.
Both teams are determined to overcome the challenges posed by the heatwave and use the series as a crucial step in their preparations for upcoming tournaments. The series will also be an opportunity for them to refine their strategies and showcase their strengths.
India, currently ranked third in the ICC Women's T20 rankings, will be looking to maintain their dominance over Bangladesh, who sit at number nine. Three of the five matches will be played under lights, adding another dimension to the competition and allowing players to experience different playing conditions. This is India's second tour of Bangladesh in less than a year, and their third overall. In their last visit in July 2023, India clinched the T20 series 2-1, while the ODI series ended in a draw.
Bangladesh will be banking on their skipper Sultana to lead from the front, while all eyes will also be on the young talent, 15-year-old Habib Islam Pinky. Experienced players like Murshida Khatun, all-rounders Fahima Khatun and Rumana Ahmed will also be crucial for their success.
India, meanwhile, will be looking to Smriti Mandhana, the team's vice-captain who is fresh off a Women's Premier League title win with Royal Challengers Bangalore, to play a key role.
Newcomers Sajeevan Sajana and Asha Sobhana will be eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
Bangladesh's star off-spinner, Nahida Akter, assured fans that the team is solely focused on playing good cricket and securing a win. Both teams acknowledged the challenging weather conditions but emphasized their determination to adjust and perform their best.
Historically, India has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 14 out of the 17 T20 matches played between the two sides. Bangladesh will be aiming to close the gap and secure some victories on home soil.
Bangladesh Squad:
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shorifa Khatun, Dilara Akter, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Habiba Islam Pinky.
India team:
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Sajana Sajeevan, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu.