Ritu Moni returns to the Bangladesh team for the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Lahore, with notable absentees including Murshida Khatun and others. Four players have been changed from the previous squad after performances against West Indies. The qualification tournament is set for April 5 to 19, where Bangladesh will face several teams for World Cup spots.
Ritu Moni has returned to the Bangladesh squad for the Women’s World Cup Qualifier set to take place in Lahore next month. Her last appearance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) was against Ireland in December of the previous year. The squad has undergone four changes from the line-up faced by the West Indies in January; notably, Murshida Khatun has been omitted, alongside Lata Mondal, Sultana Khatun, and Taj Nehar.
Murshida, who managed only 53 runs across three ODIs, coupled with Sultana’s performance of just two wickets in one ODI and three T20Is against the West Indies, led to their exclusion. Additionally, Mondal and Nehar participated solely in T20Is without making significant contributions. Conversely, Jannatul Ferdus has returned after last playing an ODI in 2018, joined by Ishma Tanjim, an uncapped spin-bowling allrounder, who recently excelled in the Women’s Dhaka Premier League.
Ishma amassed 336 runs over seven matches, while Ferdus claimed the highest wicket-taker spot with 21 wickets; Ritu Moni closely followed with 18. The Bangladesh squad is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on April 3, with the qualifier running from April 5 to 19. Five teams will compete for two final positions in the eight-team World Cup, which will occur in India later this year, facing teams such as West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and host Pakistan.
The finalized Bangladesh squad includes Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Akther, Marufa Akter, and Ritu Moni.
In summary, Ritu Moni’s return indicates a strategic reinforcement for the Bangladesh squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Significant changes reflect the team’s performance against the West Indies, leading to the exclusion of several players. The upcoming qualifier presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to secure a place in the World Cup tournament scheduled in India later this year.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
