Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team have announced a 15-member ODI squad for their upcoming home series against Sri Lanka Women, marking a significant moment in their 2026 international calendar and the visitors’ first-ever bilateral white-ball tour of Bangladesh. The series will also see Bangladesh return to ODI action this year for the first time, with selection choices highlighting both continuity and renewal within the squad structure.
The most prominent storyline is the recall of experienced top-order batter Sharmin Sultana, who returns to the ODI setup after a seven-year absence. Now 32, she last represented Bangladesh in November 2019. Her selection comes after a sustained run of domestic performances, which have convinced the selectors to reintegrate her into the national side at a crucial juncture.
Another notable inclusion is Juwairia Ferdous, the only uncapped player in the squad. The 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has already featured in seven T20 internationals but is yet to make her ODI debut. Her selection reflects Bangladesh’s continued emphasis on developing young talent alongside experienced campaigners.
As expected, the team will continue to be led by Nigar Sultana Joty, who remains firmly established as the central figure in Bangladesh’s leadership structure across formats. Vice-captain Nahida Akter also retains her role, providing stability in the leadership group.
Table of Contents
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 itinerary confirmed
Sri Lanka Women are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 17 April, before travelling directly to Rajshahi, which will host all three ODIs. The matches are set for 20, 22, and 25 April, forming a tightly scheduled series that will test squad depth, recovery, and tactical adaptability.
Following the ODI leg, both sides will move to Sylhet for a subsequent T20 International series, extending Sri Lanka’s maiden full white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
A new ODI chapter for Bangladesh
This series marks Bangladesh’s first ODI assignment of 2026, offering an early opportunity to assess form, combinations, and bench strength ahead of future ICC events. The blend of returning experience and emerging talent suggests a deliberate attempt by the selectors to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term squad building.
Sharmin Sultana’s return is particularly significant, adding experience and stability to a batting line-up that has at times struggled for consistency in the middle and top order. Her recall is widely seen as a move to reinforce depth and calm in high-pressure phases of innings.
At the same time, Juwairia Ferdous’ inclusion provides a glimpse into the future. Having already been exposed to international cricket in the shortest format, her transition into ODI cricket will be closely watched as Bangladesh continue to develop a pipeline of multi-format players.
Home advantage and expectations
Playing at home in familiar conditions, Bangladesh will aim to maximise their advantage against a competitive Sri Lankan side. The series is expected to serve as a valuable benchmark for both teams, particularly in assessing squad balance and emerging talent.
With an established captain, returning senior players, and fresh faces integrated into the squad, Bangladesh enter the series at a transitional yet promising stage. As preparations intensify in Rajshahi, attention will centre on whether this carefully constructed mix can translate potential into consistent on-field results against strong opposition.