Believe it or not, Bangladesh cricket isn't just about Shakib Al Hasan or the occasional roar of the men's team in Mirpur. There is a whole other story being written, often in the shadows of the more famous male counterparts, by a group of women who have literally clawed their way into the global top ten. They’re called the Tigresses. And honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to the Bangladesh national women's cricket team lately, you’ve missed a wild ride of underdog wins and heart-wrenching "what if" moments.
It’s easy to look at the rankings and see them sitting at 7th or 8th and think, "Yeah, they’re okay." But that’s a massive mistake.
This is a team that went from having no official status just a couple of decades ago to beating India in a final to win the Asia Cup in 2018. That was the moment everything changed. People in Dhaka stopped saying "women can't play" and started asking "when is the next game?" But let's be real—the road since then hasn't been a straight line up. It’s been a jagged, messy, and fascinating journey.
The Nigar Sultana Joty Era: Leading from the Front
You can't talk about this team without talking about Nigar Sultana Joty. She’s not just the captain; she’s basically the heartbeat of the squad. Joty is a wicketkeeper-batter who recently hit her maiden ODI century against Thailand in April 2025, a knock that basically cemented her status as one of the best to ever do it for Bangladesh.
She's tough. I've seen her take hits and just keep going. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, she led the team to their first win in the tournament in ten years. Imagine that—a decade-long drought finally broken under her watch. She became the first Bangladeshi woman to play 100 T20Is, which is a huge milestone that sort of flew under the radar because of how humble she is.
But it’s not just about her. You’ve got Farzana Hoque Pinky, the anchor. She’s the one who stays there while everyone else is swinging and missing. Then there’s Marufa Akter, the young pacer. If you haven't seen Marufa bowl, you’re missing out. She’s got this raw, natural swing that makes even world-class openers look a bit silly.
💡 You might also like: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Recent Heartbreak and the CWC25 Campaign
The 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup was a bit of a rollercoaster. Bangladesh went in with high hopes, especially after a strong showing in the qualifiers. They had this incredible match against Sri Lanka in October 2025 where they almost pulled off a miracle.
Needing nine runs off the final over, the unthinkable happened. They lost four wickets in four balls.
It was a total collapse. Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan legend, just tore through them. Joty was left at the other end, watching the dream slip away. It was one of those games that makes you want to throw your remote at the TV. They finished 7th in the group, which sounds bad, but they fought like absolute lions in almost every game.
The Spin Trap: Bangladesh's Secret Weapon
If there’s one thing every visiting team fears when they come to Sylhet or Dhaka, it’s the spin. The Bangladesh national women's cricket team basically survives on a diet of slow, turning tracks and clever flight.
- Nahida Akter: The left-arm orthodox. She’s the vice-captain and the most consistent wicket-taker in the history of the team.
- Rabeya Khan: A leg-spinner who bowls with the maturity of someone twice her age. She’s only a teenager, which is actually terrifying for opponents.
- Fahima Khatun: The veteran. She’s got variations that can confuse even the best.
When these three are in sync, they can choke the life out of a run chase. We saw it in the qualifiers where they restricted teams to sub-100 totals like it was nothing. The problem? The batting hasn't always backed them up. It's the classic Bangladesh problem: great bowlers, but a middle order that sometimes goes missing when the pressure reaches a boiling point.
📖 Related: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
What’s Next? The 2026 Calendar is Jam-Packed
If you think they're taking a break after the 2025 World Cup, think again. The 2026 schedule is looking absolutely brutal—in a good way.
The year kicks off with the T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Nepal in January. They’ve got to face the USA, Papua New Guinea, and Ireland. It’s a high-stakes environment where one bad day can ruin a whole year. After that, they host Sri Lanka in April for a full series.
Then comes the big one: the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England during June and July. Playing in English conditions is always a challenge for the Tigresses. The ball zips around, the grass is green, and the humidity isn't the same as the sub-continent. It'll be a massive test for the batters to see if they can handle the bounce.
Later in the year, they’re touring Australia and New Zealand. These are the "big leagues." Playing three ODIs and three T20Is in Australia in October 2026 will be the ultimate measuring stick for how far this team has actually come.
Why the 2026 Asian Games Matter
Don't forget the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Cricket is back on the menu for 2026, and Bangladesh has a history of doing well here. They’ve won medals before, and in a region where they are a genuine powerhouse, they’ll be eyeing the gold. For many fans in Bangladesh, an Asian Games medal is just as prestigious as a deep World Cup run.
👉 See also: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
The Reality Check: Hurdles the Team Still Faces
Look, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Bangladesh national women's cricket team still struggles with things that the top three (Australia, England, India) don't.
Funding is better than it was, but it's not equal. The domestic structure—the Dhaka Premier Division—is improving, but it's still miles behind the WBBL or the WPL in India. Young girls in rural Bangladesh still face social barriers to picking up a bat.
Also, the "strike rate" issue is real. In T20s, the world has moved toward 140+ strike rates, while Bangladesh often hovers around 100-110. They need more power hitters like Shorna Akter to step up. Shorna is a beast; she can clear the ropes easily, but she needs more support so she doesn't feel like she has to do it all herself.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Players
If you're following the team or looking to get involved, here is how you can actually support the growth of the game:
- Watch the Home Series: Attendance for women's games is often free or very cheap in Bangladesh. Showing up at the stadium in Mirpur or Sylhet sends a massive message to the BCB that there is a market for this.
- Follow the Emerging Team: Keep an eye on players like Sumaiya Akter and Nishita Akter Nishi. These "young guns" are the future, and their stats in the domestic leagues are usually a good indicator of who will break into the national side next.
- Demand Better Coverage: Social media is a tool. Tagging sports networks and asking for more highlights of the Bangladesh national women's cricket team helps push them into the mainstream.
- Support Local Academies: If you're in Bangladesh, encourage local clubs to start female wings. The talent pool is there; it just needs a place to play.
The Tigresses aren't just a cricket team; they’re a symbol of a changing society. Every time Nigar Sultana Joty walks out for a toss, she’s representing millions of girls who were told they couldn't. They might not be winning every World Cup yet, but they’ve earned their seat at the table. And honestly? They’re just getting started.
Keep an eye on the January 2026 qualifiers in Nepal. That’s where the next chapter begins.