Bangladesh Women’s Squad Announced for Asia Cup 2026 and Asian Games

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 and the 20th Asian Games. Both tournaments will feature identical team selections, highlighted by a notable change at the top of the batting order.

What Happened

On Monday, August 17, Bangladesh chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon confirmed the national selection for two major continental events: the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026, set to take place in Dubai, UAE, and the 20th Asian Games, hosted in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The primary squad change involves the inclusion of 32-year-old right-handed batter Sarmin Sultana in place of 28-year-old opening batter Taj Nehar for both upcoming tournaments.

Key Highlights

• Squad Continuity: The same 15-player squad will represent Bangladesh in both the Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
• Leadership: The side will be captained by Nigar Sultana Joty, with Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain.
• Batting Order Adjustment: Sarmin Sultana replaces Taj Nehar, who was omitted following low scoring returns from the opening position, having gathered 44 runs across eight T20Is.
• Sarmin Sultana’s Return: After a seven-year absence, Sarmin returned to the national setup in May 2026 against Sri Lanka, scoring 42 runs across three WODIs and remaining unbeaten in the third WT20I.
• Complete 15-Member Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, and Fariha Islam Trisna.

Why This Matters

The adjustment signals a strategic shift in Bangladesh’s top-order structure. Nehar had previously been selected over Sarmin for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup squad in May 2026 and featured in a fixture against South Africa in July. However, insufficient run production at the opening spot prompted selectors to reverse course and reinstall Sarmin to bring stability to the lineup.

What to Watch Next

Bangladesh will first compete in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026, where every match will be held at Dubai International Stadium. The tournament starts on August 28, 2026. Drawn in Group B, Bangladesh will face Indonesia on August 31, Sri Lanka on September 6, and the UAE on September 8, ahead of the final on September 13.

Following the Asia Cup, the team will travel to Japan for the 20th Asian Games cricket competition, which will be played in the T20I format. Bangladesh enters the tournament at the quarter-final stage against China on September 17, 2026, at Korogi Athletic Park. A victory would advance them to face either India or Japan in the next round, with medal matches scheduled for September 22, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is leading the Bangladesh Women’s team in these tournaments?

Nigar Sultana Joty will captain the team, supported by vice-captain Nahida Akter.

Why was Taj Nehar excluded from the squad?

Selectors dropped Nehar due to insufficient run scoring from the opening spot, having recorded 44 runs across eight T20Is.

When and where will Bangladesh play in the Asia Cup 2026?

All ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 matches take place at the Dubai International Stadium. Bangladesh begins Group B action on August 31 against Indonesia, followed by matches against Sri Lanka on September 6 and the UAE on September 8.

Source: Crictracker