Bangladesh call up Rumana, Jahanara for Asia Cup 2024

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have made changes to their national squad for the upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, scheduled from July 19-28, by recalling experienced players Rumana Ahmed and Jahanara Alam following their outstanding performances in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier Division Women's Cricket League 2023-24.

While Rumana's last appearance for Bangladesh was during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in February 2023, Jahanara last played in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in May 2023. During the league, Rumana represented Mohammedan Sporting Club, amassing 241 runs and claiming 17 wickets, while Jahanara, playing for Abahani Limited, topped the bowling charts with 25 wickets. 

Apart from these seasoned players, BCB have introduced uncapped talents Ishma Tanjim and Sabikun Nahar Jesmin into the 15-member squad for the tournament. "This will be our final competitive tournament before the World Cup, so we have opted to make some changes for this event," BCB's women's wing chief selector, Sazzad Ahmed, explained.

"Rumana and Jahanara have been out of the national team for almost a year. Their performances in the premier league were exceptional... We aimed to create a balanced team with a mix of experience, talent, and young cricketers. Their performances in the premier league were pivotal in shaping our decisions.

"Ishma Tanjim is a free-flowing opening batter. She plays some great shots. She is technically very sound. She had a nearly 100 strike rate [in the DPDWCL], second-highest behind Dilara Akter. She made runs in some good matches, which prompted me to pick her. Sabikun Nahar is a left-arm spinner who can partner Nahida [Akter]. I feel her pace, variation and accuracy will release pressure on Nahida."

The squad excludes players such as Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, and Habiba Islam Pinky, who played in Bangladesh's last home T20I series against India in April.

Bangladesh are placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand and will open their campaign against hosts Sri Lanka on July 20 in Dambulla. They will face Thailand and Malaysia in their subsequent group matches on July 22 and 24, respectively. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.