Bangladesh Women’s team are braced up for India challenge as the captain Nigar Sultana Joty stated that they are not worried about opponents' strength rather they are focused on their abilities.
The Tigress will square off against India in a three-match T20 international series starting on Sunday, July 9. Followed that the counterparts will lock horns in the same number ODIs.
“We are not worried about the wicket. We are not worrying about how strong the opponent is because I individually think, what is the strength of the team, how to prepare the plan, and how to work, that’s our concern. Because, if you think too much about the opponent, you forget your own strength,” Joty said during the press conference.
“We will advance plan wise to give our best. They have many good players. Harmanpreet, Smriti, Shefali is there. We will have plotted plan against them. Not everyone may click on a particular day. If we can plan better against them, bowl properly, and take chances early, then no one can pose a threat,”
Bangladesh Women will play the T20Is at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium for the first time in 11 years. The captain said they were excited to get the opportunity to play at SBNCS.
“We are excited to play here (SBNCS) after a long time. More than that, we want to do better. Because, we know, no matter how good we play cricket, if we don't win, that good doesn't matter,” Joty added.
India Women have dominated Bangladesh Women in T20 international cricket so far. They have squared off on 13 occasions with India winning 11 times and Bangladesh claiming two wins.
With such formidable records, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said they are not taking the host lightly and are ‘ready for the challenge’.
“They are a very good side and always play good cricket in home conditions. And, it will be very challenging for us and we are ready for the challenge. We had two-three days to prepare ourselves and we prepared ourselves in every department and we are looking for some very positive cricket and I hope everybody will play together and give our best,” said Harmanpreet.
Bangladesh dropped experienced Jahanara Alam and Rumana Ahmed and included Dilara Akter and Marufa Akter to the T20I squad. Bangladesh have also included uncapped opening batter Shathi Rani for the India series.
Indian captain also reckoned the recent success of Bangladesh Women’s in the U-19 World Cup as the team contain 5-6 players from the U-19 camp.
“Things have changed over a period of time. Obviously, Bangladesh cricket. I have seen in the Under-19 and the emerging. It's been an eye-opener for Bangladesh to send about six of the under-19 cricketers for the World Cup for the seniors. It just shows how much of cricket has grown over a period of time to Bangladesh,” she added.
