Bangladesh Women’s World Cup 2025: Learning Curve Among Heavyweights

Bangladesh will participate in the Women’s World Cup 2025 in India after securing qualification under unusual circumstances. Their passage came not solely from their performance but due to a miscalculation by the West Indies during the final Qualifier against Thailand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium last April. Despite West Indies’ strong finish, their net run rate fell just short, giving Bangladesh a ticket to the tournament.

Entering just their second ODI World Cup after debuting in 2022, Bangladesh faces a steep learning curve. This edition will test their readiness against cricket’s elite sides, emphasizing that luck alone cannot carry them forward.

Batting Reliance on Senior Stars

Bangladesh’s batting hopes rest on seasoned performers Nigar Sultana Joty, Fargana Hoque Pinky, and Sharmin Akter Supta—the only Bangladeshi women to surpass 1,000 ODI runs.

• Sharmin Supta excelled in the Qualifiers, finishing as the second-highest scorer, including an unbeaten 94.

• Nigar Joty delivered a 78-ball century against Thailand, showcasing her ability to dominate.

• Fargana Pinky, with multiple ODI hundreds, carries the responsibility to anchor innings and accelerate scoring during the powerplay.

The trio’s combined form will be critical for Bangladesh to challenge stronger opponents.

Emerging Talents: Shorna and Marufa

Bangladesh’s young guns, Shorna Akter and Marufa Akter, could provide the spark to upset established teams.

• Marufa, a 20-year-old pacer, has shown match-winning potential with a four-wicket haul and raw pace.

• Shorna brings all-round capabilities, contributing impactful cameos with bat and ball.

Both first gained recognition at the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, and their youthful energy complements the experience of the senior core.

Spin Attack: Bangladesh’s Key Weapon

The spin quartet—Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Jannatul Ferdus, and Rabeya Khan—remains Bangladesh’s most potent strength.

• Nahida Akter, Bangladesh’s leading ODI wicket-taker, provides experience and consistency.

• Ferdus impressed in Qualifiers with nine wickets in five matches, including a 5-3-7-5 against Thailand.

• Fahima and Rabeya add depth and variety, creating opportunities for breakthroughs against top-order batters.

A collective performance from the spin attack will be essential for Bangladesh to challenge the tournament favorites.

Bangladesh Women’s World Cup Record

• 2022 World Cup: 1 win in 7 matches, victory over Pakistan by 9 runs.

• Post-2022 ODIs: 10 wins, 13 losses, 3 no-results, 2 ties.

Bangladesh Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad

Key Players: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Sharmin Akter Supta, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya Khan

Other Squad Members: Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter

Bangladesh Women’s World Cup 2025 Fixtures

• Oct 2 – vs Pakistan Women, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• Oct 7 – vs England Women, Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati

• Oct 10 – vs New Zealand Women, Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati

• Oct 13 – vs South Africa Women, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

• Oct 16 – vs Australia Women, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

• Oct 20 – vs Sri Lanka Women, Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

• Oct 26 – vs India Women, Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai