Bangladesh have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, officially announced on 23rd August, with Nigar Sultana Joty continuing at the helm as captain. The squad announcement marks the start of their final march toward the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
The year 2025 has been a mixed bag for the Tigresses. In their eight international outings so far, they have registered four wins, but a 2-1 series defeat against West Indies in January proved costly, forcing them to go through the Qualifiers. Nigar Sultana stood tall in that series as the team’s leading run-scorer with 93 runs in three matches, while Nahida Akter led the bowling charts with four wickets.
Their path to the World Cup was cemented in April 2025, during the Qualifying tournament in Pakistan. Bangladesh played five matches, securing wins against Thailand, Ireland, and Scotland, while suffering defeats against West Indies and Pakistan. Sharmin Akhter was the standout with the bat, amassing 266 runs in five matches, while Jannatul Ferdus impressed with the ball, claiming nine wickets across the tournament, including a sensational 5/7 against Thailand.
However, despite her stellar performance, Jannatul’s omission from the World Cup squad is the biggest surprise. The 25-year-old right-arm off-break bowler had made a strong ODI comeback in the Qualifiers and finished as Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker, but she misses out alongside Ishma Tanjim, who struggled with scores of just 8, 2, and 14 in her three outings, and Dilara Akter, who had been part of both the West Indies and Qualifiers squads earlier this year.
In their place, Bangladesh have opted for fresh faces and comebacks. Rubya Haider Jhelik, who made her T20I debut in 2023 but is yet to play an ODI, has earned a maiden call-up. Nishita Akter Nishi, a 17-year-old who last featured in 2023 and has two wickets from two ODIs, returns to the fold. Also making a comeback is Sumaiya Akter, who played her only ODI in 2024. Their inclusions highlight Bangladesh’s intent to invest in youth and versatility ahead of the marquee tournament.
Bangladesh’s Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Farzana Haque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter
Having made their World Cup debut in New Zealand 2022, this will be Bangladesh’s second appearance at the global event, and they will be keen to make a stronger impression this time around.
Before the tournament kicks off, Bangladesh will sharpen their skills in two crucial warm-up fixtures against Sri Lanka on 25th and 27th September.
Bangladesh’s Women’s World Cup 2025 Fixtures:
2 October 2025: Bangladesh vs Pakistan — Colombo
7 October 2025: England vs Bangladesh — Guwahati
10 October 2025: New Zealand vs Bangladesh — Visakhapatnam
13 October 2025: South Africa vs Bangladesh — Visakhapatnam
20 October 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh — Colombo
26 October 2025: India vs Bangladesh — Navi Mumbai
