Bangladesh have announced a refreshed squad for their upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka, recalling experienced batter Sarmin Sultana after a seven-year absence and introducing new faces as the team looks to reset following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Squad reshuffle signals rebuilding phase
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made three changes to the squad that competed in the last Women’s World Cup, bringing back Sarmin Sultana alongside offspinner Sultana Khatun and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous. The trio replace Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, and Sumaiya Akter.
Sarmin’s return is particularly notable. The 32-year-old last played an ODI in November 2019 against Pakistan, and her recall suggests a renewed emphasis on experience within the batting lineup. She recently featured in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament earlier this year, where Bangladesh finished runners-up to India.
Juairiya Ferdous, meanwhile, represents a long-term investment. The young wicketkeeper-batter made her international debut at the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal in February but is yet to play an ODI. Sultana Khatun brings recent international exposure, having last played an ODI in January 2025.
Response to World Cup disappointment
Bangladesh enter the series seeking redemption after a difficult World Cup campaign, where they managed just one win in seven matches and finished seventh among eight teams.
Following that performance, captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged the need for improvement, stating during a post-match press briefing at the tournament, “We know we have not played our best cricket. There are areas we must address, especially in consistency and decision-making under pressure.”
Cricket analysts say the latest squad changes reflect that introspection, blending experience with emerging talent to stabilize performance ahead of future international commitments.
Sri Lanka’s dominance adds pressure
The upcoming series also presents a significant challenge. Sri Lanka have historically dominated Bangladesh in women’s ODIs, remaining unbeaten in completed matches between the two sides.
Their most recent encounter came during the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where Sri Lanka edged Bangladesh by seven runs in a closely contested match. The visitors also won the only previous bilateral ODI series between the teams, held in Sri Lanka in 2023.
This will be Sri Lanka’s first-ever bilateral women’s ODI series in Bangladesh, adding further significance to the contest.
A Sri Lanka Cricket official, speaking ahead of the tour announcement in Colombo, said, “Bangladesh conditions will be challenging, but we are confident in our preparation and aim to continue our strong record against them.”
Series schedule and venues
The three-match ODI series will be played in Rajshahi on April 20, 22, and 25. The teams will then move to Sylhet for a three-match T20I series scheduled for April 28 and 30, and May 2.
The series is seen as a crucial opportunity for Bangladesh to rebuild confidence on home soil while testing new combinations ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
Bangladesh ODI squad vs Sri Lanka
Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Fargana Haque, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sarmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Juairiya Ferdous
