Bangladesh have officially unveiled their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with experienced wicketkeeper batter Nigar Sultana Joty set to lead the side as they prepare for another major global challenge. The announcement reflects continuity, balance and growing confidence within the Bangladesh camp as the team aims to build on recent progress in international women’s cricket.
The 15 member squad, announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board ahead of the tournament in England, retains the core group that impressed during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier earlier this year. Bangladesh dominated the qualification event with an unbeaten run through both the group and Super Six stages, securing their ticket to the main tournament in convincing fashion.
This year’s edition will mark Bangladesh’s seventh appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since making their debut in 2014. Over the years, the team has steadily evolved from underdogs into a competitive unit capable of troubling stronger opponents. Their memorable victory against Scotland during the 2024 edition demonstrated the side’s growing maturity and belief on the world stage.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty once again remains at the heart of Bangladesh’s plans. One of the most experienced players in the squad, Joty has become a key figure in the growth of women’s cricket in the country. Her leadership and consistency with the bat have helped Bangladesh achieve several notable results in recent seasons. Supporting her as vice captain will be left arm spinner Nahida Akter, who has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most dependable performers in T20 cricket.
The squad largely mirrors the successful group from the qualifiers, though Taj Nehar has been included to strengthen the batting department. The young batter has already featured in eight T20Is and is viewed as one of the promising talents in Bangladesh cricket. Team management hopes her inclusion will add greater depth and flexibility to the batting order.
Bangladesh’s batting responsibilities will revolve around captain Joty alongside Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary and Dilara Akter. All four players have gained valuable international exposure over the last few years and are expected to anchor the innings during crucial matches. The side also possesses several all round options in the form of Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni, giving Bangladesh additional balance in both batting and bowling departments.
However, Bangladesh’s biggest strength heading into the tournament is widely considered to be their spin attack. Spin bowling has traditionally been central to Bangladesh cricket, and the women’s team is no exception. Nahida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla and Fahima Khatun form a formidable spin unit capable of exploiting slower conditions in English venues. The addition of versatile all rounders like Shorna and Rabeya further enhances the team’s bowling depth.
In the pace department, Marufa Akter will lead the attack with support from left arm seamer Fariha Islam Trisna and experienced all rounder Ritu Moni. Marufa, still in the early stages of her international career, has already earned praise for her pace and aggressive approach. Her performances in recent ICC events have made her one of Bangladesh’s brightest fast bowling prospects.
Preparation for the World Cup is already underway. Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for Edinburgh on May 25, where they will participate in a tri series involving Scotland and the Netherlands. The series is expected to provide valuable match practice in English conditions before the team travels to Loughborough for official warm up fixtures ahead of the tournament. Bangladesh will begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign on June 14 against the Netherlands at Edgbaston, one of England’s most iconic cricket venues. The team will hope for a strong start as they seek to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in tournament history.
Women’s cricket in Bangladesh has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, both in terms of popularity and performance. The national team’s success at the 2018 Asia Cup, where they defeated India in the final, remains one of the defining moments in the country’s cricketing journey. Since then, Bangladesh have continued investing in young talent and improving their competitiveness at ICC events.
With a stable leadership group, an experienced spin attack and a squad familiar with pressure situations, Bangladesh will enter the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup determined to make a deeper impact. While they may not begin the tournament among the outright favourites, the team’s consistency and growing confidence suggest they could emerge as one of the dark horses capable of producing surprises on the global stage.
Squad:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
T20 World Cup Group Matches:
14 June, Bangladesh v Netherlands, Edgbaston, Birmingham
17 June, Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley, Leeds
20 June, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
25 June, India v Bangladesh, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
28 June, South Africa v Bangladesh, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
