Will the Tigresses Progress?

The home team for this World Cup has been sorely tested over the last twelve months, with political unrest at home forcing the tournament to the UAE. As disappointing as it must be for the players and supporters, there is only one way forward: put the trouble at home to one side for the next fortnight.

To progress from the group stage, Bangladesh will need to finish in the top two, against England, Scotland, South Africa and West Indies.

Squad

Nigar Sultana (c), Dilara Akter, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Disha Biswas, Rabeya Khan, Murshida Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Sultana Khatun, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Shamima Sultana,

Youth and Experience

There’s a good blend of youth and experience in this squad. An air of solidity in the leadership of Nigar Sultana, “Joty”, the skipper of the Tigresses for the longest time. She’ll be relying on the old hands – Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Ritu Moni – to provide backup in the leadership role.

Some exciting youngsters coming through, although some of them already have World Cup experience – Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas – one to watch here is Rabeya Khan.

Batting

The absence of Fargana Hoque does leave a bit of a hole, but the continuing good form of Murshida Khatun at the top of the order, along with the skipper’s stubborn determination in the middle order does provide a platform for the others to work with. Still, the team will need to pull together as a unit, for it is noticeably the weakest batting line-up on show here.

Bowling

This is a much happier tale to tell, with the Bangladeshi bowlers looking to thrive in these conditions. They have good pace options in Marufa Akter and Jahanara Alam, but whether both will play on pitches more suited to spin is the question. I suspect only one will play.

Spin bowling of high quality. The headache will be which ones to play? Nahida Akter is surely a given as is Fahima Khatun. My eyes will be on the thrilling young leg spinner, Rabeya Khan. So much variety on hand, including off-break bowler, Sultana Khatun.

Summary

The question to ask is, can a good bowling attack make up for a modest batting line-up? The task ahead is not easy. If we give them the Scotland game, they still have to conquer at least – at least – a victory over England, South Africa or West Indies. One could not confidently predict such a result, let alone victory over two of them. That is the path in front of the Tigresses, making it difficult to see them progress to the finals. I hope they prove me wrong!