Joty eyes change in Bangladesh’s World Cup fortunes

Nigar Sultana Joty believes Bangladesh team are better equipped to improve their poor record at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as the Tigresses prepare for this year’s tournament in England starting on June 12.

Bangladesh have managed only three wins in 25 matches across six editions of the tournament and are aiming to change that trend this year.

The team will begin their preparations with a tri-series in Scotland before heading to England for the World Cup. Part of the squad departed in the early hours of Monday, while the remaining members are scheduled to leave on May 26.

Bangladesh’s previous World Cup victories came against Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland. In the last edition in Dubai, they secured one win against Scotland but lost their remaining three matches to finish fourth in the group.

Ahead of the team’s departure, captain Joty expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s chances this time around.

“In the last World Cup, we won one match in Dubai. Compared to last time, this year I feel our team combination is better. We have been working since the last series. We played some matches there but the results didn’t come our way. There were positives and our bowling unit is doing well while two-three specific players have been consistent,” Joty said.

“Our thinking was that we will carry those players to the World Cup who have been doing well.”

Joty particularly highlighted the impact of bowlers like Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter, while also praising the growing depth in the side.

“We used to depend on just one or two players in T20s but now some new players are performing. Nahida and Marufa are there and the players are hungry to do well in a stage such as the World Cup. So in that regard we can do better. If we can play collective cricket, we can do better than the last World Cup,” she said.