The Women's Asia Cup is set to begin on 19th July, with this year's tournament taking place in Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh women's cricket team departed for Sri Lanka on Tuesday at 12:55 PM from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Before their departure, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty addressed the media at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Monday. She conveyed a deep sense of anticipation and emotional investment in the upcoming Asia Cup. Joty views the tournament as a crucial opportunity for the team to gauge their readiness ahead of the World Cup.
Reflecting on the significance of the Asia Cup, Joty highlighted its transformative impact on women's cricket in Bangladesh, particularly since their victory in 2018. This tournament, she believes, offers a vital platform for the team to refine their skills and build momentum.
Joty acknowledged the team's recent struggles, noting that they had not won a match in their last two series. However, she expressed optimism, pointing out that the players had used their break to participate in domestic cricket, which helped identify new talent and improve form. The recent training camp has shown promising signs, and the team is eager to showcase their abilities.
Setting a clear objective, Joty emphasised that reaching the semifinals is the team's primary goal. She stressed the importance of starting strong, particularly in their first match against Sri Lanka, to build the necessary momentum for the tournament.
Group A features fierce competitors such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand. On the second day of the tournament, 20th July, Joty's team will face the Sri Lankan women, marking a critical start to their campaign.
