Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team have rediscovered their mojo after a blistering run of form in the Asia Cup group stage. With the bat, in particular, they’ve been a force to be reckoned with, and the bowlers have also chipped in with crucial contributions.
Ahead of the semifinal encounter against India, Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty has instilled a real sense of belief in her side.
Might be it would be a huge inspiration for the Tigress when they snatched victory away in 2018 to clinch their maiden Asia Cup title.
However, the Tigress will make a fresh start with India, as their batting woes had been a thorn in the side heading into the tournament, but Murshida Khatun has been a revelation. Her match-winning knocks against Malaysia and Thailand have been instrumental in turning the tide. The left-hander’s 80 against Malaysia was a particular standout, laying the platform for a convincing victory.
But it would be different ball game against India when the Tigress will face the real challenge to illustrate their strength and ability when the captain Joty is looking forward to her mates will restage their performances of last two matches.
Joty regain her confidence, as they have got rid of the batting miseries and bowlers tuned up well against the matches of Thailand and Malaysia when heading into their Asia Cup campaign they had a bitter experiences against Sri Lanka in their opener.
In fact batting was their biggest concern heading into this competition, but they have accumulated runs at the top of the order with handy contributions from their captain Nigar Sultana.
On ther other hands, India are also in-form team, who stormed into the semi-final just demolishing the opponents when they won 10 T20 matches out 14, they played this year.
India will take on Bangladesh with huge boost up when they swept Bangladesh 5-0 in a series, when Bangladesh featured in 11 T20Is and could manage wins in two matches in the ongoing Asia Cup.
India and Bangladesh played 22 matches in this format over the years, and India have the clear upper hand with winning 19 matches and Bangladesh could make a fight in a series just a year back (July 2023) when India won the series 2-1.
Joty herself has led from the front, producing two half-centuries of her own. Her unbeaten 62 against Malaysia was another captain’s knock, showcasing her all-round ability. The skipper is delighted with her team’s progress and is relishing the prospect of taking on India in the semi-finals with an aggressive mindset.
