Bangladesh have turned to experience and fresh faces alike as they reshape their squad ahead of their upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka, marking a significant moment in their return to 50-over cricket.
In a notable development, batter Sarmin Sultana has been recalled to the national ODI setup after a gap of seven years. Her inclusion headlines a trio of changes made by the selectors as Bangladesh prepare to host Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series later this month. The series also marks Bangladesh’s first appearance in the format since their underwhelming campaign at the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
Sarmin’s return is both surprising and symbolic. The 32-year-old last featured in an ODI back in November 2019 against Pakistan, and since then had fallen out of contention. However, her recent performances in domestic and regional tournaments appear to have reignited confidence in her abilities. Earlier this year, she represented Bangladesh in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament, where the team finished runners-up after losing to India in the final. Her experience at the top level could prove valuable as Bangladesh look to stabilize their batting unit.
Joining her in the squad are off-spinner Sultana Khatun and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous. While Khatun brings some international experience, having last played an ODI in January 2025, Ferdous represents the future. She recently made her international debut during the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal but is yet to earn her first ODI cap. Her inclusion signals Bangladesh’s intent to invest in young talent while maintaining a balance with seasoned players.
The changes come at the expense of Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, and Sumaiya Akter, all of whom were part of Bangladesh’s World Cup squad but have been left out for this series. The decision reflects a strategic reset following a disappointing World Cup campaign, where Bangladesh managed just one win in seven matches and finished seventh out of eight teams.
As Bangladesh regroup, the upcoming series against Sri Lanka presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Historically, Sri Lanka have had the upper hand in this rivalry. They remain unbeaten in women’s ODIs against Bangladesh, having won all three of the five completed matches between the two sides.
Their last bilateral series meeting in 2023, held in Sri Lanka, also ended in favor of the hosts. The most recent encounter between the teams came during the 2025 World Cup, where Sri Lanka edged past Bangladesh in a closely contested match, winning by seven runs. That result will still be fresh in the minds of the Bangladesh players, adding an extra layer of motivation as they prepare for this home series.
Importantly, this will be the first time Sri Lanka’s women’s team plays a bilateral ODI series in Bangladesh, making it a historic occasion for the hosts. The matches are scheduled to take place on April 20, 22, and 25 in Rajshahi, a venue that will now host a significant chapter in Bangladesh women’s cricket.
Following the ODI leg, the two teams will also compete in a three-match T20I series in Sylhet, scheduled for April 28, April 30, and May 2. This extended tour offers Bangladesh a valuable stretch of international cricket as they aim to rebuild confidence and consistency across formats.
With a blend of returning experience, emerging talent, and the advantage of home conditions, Bangladesh will be eager to turn the page and deliver a stronger performance. For Sarmin Sultana, it is not just a comeback, it is a second chance to redefine her role in the national side.
Bangladesh ODI squad vs Sri Lanka
Nigar Sultana (C), Nahida Akter, Fargana Haque, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sarmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Juairiya Ferdous
