Bangladesh A land in Bangkok for Asia Cup Rising Stars challenge

Bangladesh women’s ‘A’ team arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday to take part in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Women’s 2026, scheduled for February 13-22.

The side departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier in the morning before landing in the Thai capital for the eight-team T20 tournament.

Leg-spinner Fahima Khatun will lead Bangladesh. The squad also features Shanjida Akther Maghla and Fariha Islam Trisna, both of whom recently represented the country in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nepal alongside Fahima.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B with Sri Lanka A, Malaysia and hosts Thailand. Group A consists of India A, Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal.

Bangladesh open their campaign against Sri Lanka A on February 14 before taking on Thailand and Malaysia on February 16 and 18 respectively. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on February 20, with the final slated for February 22.

The tournament had originally been scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka last year. However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) postponed it due to adverse weather and health concerns following a chikungunya outbreak in the region.

Previously known as the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, the competition was first staged in Hong Kong in 2023, where India beat Bangladesh in the final.

Squad: Fahima Khatun (captain), Shamima Sultana, Ishma Tanjim, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Shorifa Khatun, Sarmin Sultana, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sadia Akter, Farjana Easmin, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Taj Nehar, Lata Mondol, Sumaiya Akter and Fatema Jahan.

Standby: Disha Biswas, Misty Rany Shaha, Halimatul Sadia and Habiba Islam Pinky.