The Women’s ODI World Cup is starting from March 4 in New Zealand. In which Bangladesh is playing for the first time. With the World Cup looming, the captain of that team is writing his own column in the ICC. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana wrote in his column, this World Cup is a great opportunity for the Bangladesh team. Translated version of the column for readers:
Playing in the ICC Girls World Cup is a dream come true for all of us.
I have played in three T20 World Cups, but never in ODIs. We are thrilled, we are looking forward to performing on the biggest stage. When this great opportunity comes, I want to take advantage of it by playing well.
Bangladesh has never played an ODI against a team like England, Australia or New Zealand. It is going to be a new experience. We saw them on TV, followed them on the internet. I knew that one day I would have the opportunity to play against them. Our analysts have given us information about their strengths and weaknesses, and we are preparing accordingly.
This is the first time that the girls of Bangladesh will play in the ODI World Cup even though they regularly play in the T20 World Cup
This is the first time that the girls of Bangladesh will play in the ODI World Cup even though they regularly play in the T20 World CupFile picture
After winning the Asia Cup in 2016, the face of women’s cricket in Bangladesh has changed. Now people’s interest has increased, before that some people may not have known that there is something called girls cricket team in Bangladesh.
People are interested now, they want to know where we are playing, how we are playing. The media is showing interest. When I qualified for the World Cup, the whole nation was happy. There has been an uproar on social media.
The people of Bangladesh love cricket. They now also look forward to the girls team. That is why the pressure has increased. But it is good. We want to do better for the people of the country.
After winning the Asia Cup by defeating India in 2016, the girls of Bangladesh rejoiced
After winning the Asia Cup by defeating India in 2016, the girls of Bangladesh rejoicedFile picture
The ODI World Cup is a huge opportunity for us. Here as a team we realize our potential. I will be able to prove that ability in front of everyone. We can show everyone how much we have improved as a team.
If we do well here, more teams will be interested in playing against us. International teams will come to our country, Bangladesh Cricket Board will also increase the number of domestic matches.
If the team does well in the World Cup, the cricket board may take up the project of finding more young and talented cricketers. Will create a pipeline. A specific pipeline is needed to bring in new talent.
The cricket board is working with under-19 and under-17 teams, as well as emerging teams. There are a lot of cricketers who want to see us do well. Because, they know, if we do well, a better future will be created for them.
Our current opening batsmen Murshid Khatun and Sharmin Akhter Supta have played well in the qualifying round and are in good form. Whenever the team needs, Rumana Ahmed always comes forward. Salma Khatun is one of the best all-rounders in the world.
Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alamra will play in the World Cup
Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alamra will play in the World CupPhoto: Prothom Alo
In the bowling attack, we have taken a young fast bowler like Suraiya Ajmin. The world has not seen him that way yet. Fariha is doing well in left-arm spin.
We have three former captains – Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed and Jahanara Alam. Everyone helps me a lot, I accept all their suggestions.
Personally, leading the team to the first World Cup is a great opportunity for me. If we do well here, it will be something historic for all of us.