Murshida Khatun has been excluded from the Bangladesh squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier in Lahore. New player Ishma Tanjim joins the team, while Jannatul Sumona and Ritu Moni return. Bangladesh missed direct qualification for the World Cup and will compete for two available spots in April.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the exclusion of opener Murshida Khatun from the squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier in Lahore, Pakistan, scheduled from April 5 to 19. In her stead, uncapped batter Ishma Tanjim has been called up, while off-spinner Jannatul Sumona and all-rounder Ritu Moni are returning to the side.
Murshida Khatun has struggled with the bat during the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Women’s Cricket League, achieving only 110 runs in eight innings for Mohammedan Sporting Club. Additionally, Sultana Khatun and Taj Nehar, who were part of the previous Caribbean tour, have also been omitted from the final squad.
Ishma Tanjim has demonstrated strong potential with 336 runs at an average of 48 in the WDPL, while Jannatul Sumona is the league’s highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an average of 14.33. Ritu Moni has contributed significantly as well, taking 18 wickets, making her the joint second highest in the league.
Bangladesh previously missed the chance for direct qualification in the World Cup by losing the ODI series 2-1 to the West Indies in January. They will now compete in the qualifier for two spots available in the eight-team World Cup in India, alongside teams such as the West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and host nation Pakistan.
The Bangladesh team is set to face Thailand on April 10, followed by matches against Ireland, Scotland, the West Indies, and Pakistan. They will depart for Lahore on April 3 and participate in two warm-up matches prior to the tournament’s commencement.
Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni.
The Bangladesh Women’s team has undergone significant changes ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier, notably with Murshida Khatun’s removal. The performance of other players such as Ishma Tanjim, Jannatul Sumona, and Ritu Moni is pivotal for the squad’s competitive edge. The upcoming matches in Lahore will determine Bangladesh’s potential to qualify for the World Cup.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
