Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka Women, marking a significant milestone in their 2026 international calendar. The series will also represent Sri Lanka’s first-ever bilateral white-ball tour of Bangladesh, adding further importance to a contest that is expected to test both sides in subcontinental conditions.
The selection has drawn attention for its blend of continuity, experience, and fresh talent, with one of the most notable developments being the return of veteran top-order batter Sharmin Sultana. After a seven-year absence from the ODI setup, the 32-year-old has earned a recall following consistent performances in domestic cricket. She last featured for Bangladesh in November 2019, and her return is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s batting stability.
Another significant inclusion is Juwairia Ferdous, the only uncapped player in the squad. The 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has already represented Bangladesh in seven T20 internationals but is yet to make her ODI debut. Her selection reflects the selectors’ continued emphasis on nurturing young talent and expanding the pool of multi-format players.
As expected, the side will continue to be led by Nigar Sultana Joty, who remains the cornerstone of Bangladesh Women’s cricket across formats. Vice-captain Nahida Akter retains her leadership role, ensuring continuity in the team’s senior structure.
Bangladesh Women’s ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Nigar Sultana Joty |
| Vice-captain | Nahida Akter |
| Batters | Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Sultana, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Sanjida Akter Meghla |
| All-rounders | Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Swarna Akter |
| Wicketkeeper-batters | Juwairia Ferdous, Dilara Akter (standby), Shorifa Khatun (standby) |
| Bowlers | Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun |
| Standby players | Dilara Akter, Shorifa Khatun, Farzana Yasmin, Taj Nehar |
Tour schedule and venues confirmed
Sri Lanka Women are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 17 April, before travelling to Rajshahi, which will host all three ODI matches. The fixtures are set for 20, 22, and 25 April, creating a compact series that will test squad rotation, fitness management, and tactical adaptability.
Following the ODI leg, the tour will continue in Sylhet with a T20 International series, completing Sri Lanka’s maiden full white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh begin new ODI cycle
The series marks Bangladesh’s first ODI assignment of 2026, offering an early opportunity to evaluate combinations ahead of future ICC events. The squad reflects a careful balance between experience and youth, suggesting a deliberate long-term strategy from the selectors.
Sharmin Sultana’s return adds much-needed experience to the top order, an area where Bangladesh have occasionally lacked consistency in recent years. Her presence is expected to provide stability during key phases of innings building, particularly in pressure situations.
At the same time, Juwairia Ferdous’ inclusion signals a forward-looking approach. Having already gained international exposure in T20 cricket, her transition into the 50-over format will be closely monitored as Bangladesh continue to invest in developing versatile players.
Home advantage and expectations
Playing on home soil, Bangladesh will aim to capitalise on familiar conditions against a competitive Sri Lankan side. The series is expected to provide a useful benchmark for both teams, particularly in assessing squad depth and identifying emerging performers.
With an established captain, returning senior figures, and promising newcomers, Bangladesh enter the series in a transitional yet encouraging phase. As preparations intensify in Rajshahi, attention will focus on whether this carefully balanced squad can translate potential into consistent performances against strong regional opposition.