Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team have announced a 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka Women, marking the visitors’ first-ever bilateral white-ball tour of the country. The series will also see Bangladesh return to ODI action in 2026 for the first time this year, with several notable inclusions and one significant comeback headline the selection.
Chief among the talking points is the return of experienced top-order batter Sharmin Sultana, who has been recalled to the ODI setup after a gap of seven years. The 32-year-old last represented Bangladesh in November 2019 but has now earned a recall following consistent domestic performances and renewed selection considerations from the national selectors.
Another key development is the inclusion of Juwairia Ferdous, the only uncapped player in the squad. The 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has previously featured in seven T20 internationals but is yet to make her ODI debut. Her selection reflects Bangladesh’s continued investment in young talent as they prepare for a busy international calendar.
As expected, the side will continue to be led by experienced skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, who remains central to Bangladesh’s leadership structure across formats.
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
Sri Lanka Women are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 17 April before travelling directly to Rajshahi, which will host all three ODI matches. The fixtures are set for 20, 22, and 25 April, forming a compact series that will test both sides in quick succession.
Following the ODI leg, the tour will continue with a T20 International series in Sylhet, further extending Bangladesh’s home season against one of Asia’s stronger women’s cricket sides.
Return to ODI cricket in 2026
For Bangladesh, the series marks their first ODI assignment of 2026, providing an important opportunity to assess squad depth and combinations ahead of future ICC events. The inclusion of both experienced campaigners and emerging players suggests a balanced approach from the selectors, blending continuity with long-term planning.
Sharmin Sultana’s recall is particularly significant given the length of her absence from international cricket. Her return adds experience to the top order, an area Bangladesh have been looking to stabilise in recent years.
Meanwhile, Juwairia Ferdous’ selection offers a glimpse into the future. Having already gained exposure in the T20I format, she now has the chance to transition into the 50-over game at international level.
Building momentum at home
The series against Sri Lanka is expected to provide competitive preparation for both sides, particularly with Bangladesh aiming to strengthen their standing in women’s international cricket.
With a settled captaincy group, returning experience, and fresh talent in the squad, Bangladesh will look to make full use of home conditions as they begin a new phase of their ODI campaign.
As the team assembles in Rajshahi, attention will focus on whether the blend of experience and youth can translate into consistent performances against a well-organised Sri Lankan side.
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