The Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team, affectionately known as the Tigresses, has embarked on a transformative journey in international women’s cricket, marked by significant achievements and milestones. This narrative begins with their historic victory in the 2018 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup, where they emerged as champions, breaking India’s long-standing dominance in the tournament. This victory not only placed Bangladesh on the global cricket map but also instilled a newfound confidence within the team and its supporters. The team’s progression is further highlighted by their participation and success in various international competitions, including their commendable performances in the Asian Games and the South Asian Games, where they secured medals, demonstrating their growing stature in the sport.
Guided by an experienced coaching and management team, the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team has shown a remarkable ability to compete at the highest levels. With the strategic acumen of Head Coach Hashan Tillakaratne, Assistant Coach Faisal Hossain, Chief Selector Manjurul Islam, and Performance Analyst Rashed Iqbal, the team has been meticulously prepared to face the rigors of international cricket. Their journey from aspiring contenders to champions of Asia and formidable competitors on the world stage encapsulates a story of perseverance, skill development, and strategic planning. This introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the team’s journey, achievements, and the future trajectory of women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
History of Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team
In 2018, the Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup held in Malaysia marked a significant moment in the history of women’s cricket. Bangladesh emerged as a formidable force, securing their place in the final by winning four out of their five matches. The climax of their campaign was a historic victory over India in the final, making Bangladesh the first team aside from India to claim the Asia Cup title. This triumph not only underscored Bangladesh’s rising prominence in women’s cricket but also highlighted their potential to challenge the dominance of established teams.
The journey of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team continued to evolve as they made their inaugural appearance at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2022. Their participation was confirmed based on their WODI ranking after the qualifying tournament was prematurely halted. At the time of the abandonment, Bangladesh had a commendable record of two wins and one loss, showcasing their competitiveness on the global stage. Despite finishing 7th with a record of one win and six losses, their performance was a testament to their resilience and determination. Their qualification not only marked their debut at the World Cup but also ensured their participation in the 2022–2025 ICC Women’s Championship, signifying a step forward in their development as a competitive team in women’s international cricket.
The 2022 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup, hosted by Bangladesh, offered another opportunity for the team to demonstrate their capabilities on home soil. They finished in 5th place, navigating through a challenging tournament with two wins, three losses, and one match ending in no result out of six matches. This performance, while showing room for improvement, highlighted the team’s fighting spirit and the competitive nature of women’s cricket in Asia.
In 2023, Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team continued to make strides on the international stage by qualifying for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, thanks to their victory in the qualifying tournament the previous year. Competing in Group A, Bangladesh faced tough opposition and, despite their best efforts, ended the tournament without a win in their four matches. While the results may not have reflected their aspirations, their participation in such a prestigious tournament underscored the progress of Bangladesh’s women’s cricket and the experience gained is invaluable for the development of the team and its players.
Home Ground
The Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna serves as a notable cricket venue in Bangladesh and plays a pivotal role in the country’s cricketing infrastructure. Named after a prominent Bangladeshi figure, this stadium is not just a sports facility but a symbol of cricket’s growth and development in the region. Its establishment has provided a solid foundation for hosting both domestic and international cricket events, contributing significantly to the promotion and development of the sport in Bangladesh.
Located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium boasts a rich history of hosting important cricket matches, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The venue is equipped with modern facilities to accommodate players, officials, and spectators, ensuring a high-quality cricketing experience for all involved. The ground has been a witness to numerous memorable moments in cricket, serving as a battleground where the skills of local and international cricketers are showcased.
The importance of the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium extends beyond just hosting matches; it is a hub for nurturing cricketing talent in the region. The facility is often used for training and development programs, helping to identify and groom future stars of Bangladesh cricket. Its role in the local community is significant, providing a source of inspiration and entertainment for cricket enthusiasts in Khulna and beyond. As home ground to the Bangladesh women’s cricket team for various matches and tournaments, it underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting and developing women’s cricket alongside their male counterparts.
Statistics For Previous Years In Tournaments
ODI
| Opponent | M | W | L | T | NR | First match | First win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 March 2022 | |
| England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 27 March 2022 | |
| India | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 8 April 2013 | 16 July 2023 |
| Ireland | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 26 November 2011 | 26 November 2011 |
| New Zealand | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 March 2022 | |
| Pakistan | 15 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 20 August 2012 | 4 March 2014 |
| South Africa | 21 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 6 September 2012 | 6 September 2012 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 February 2017 | |
| West Indies | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 March 2022 | |
| Zimbabwe | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 November 2021 | 10 November 2021 |
T20 International
- ICC Full Members
| Opponent | M | W | L | T | NR | First match | First win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 27 February 2020 | |
| England | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 28 March 2014 | |
| India | 17 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 April 2013 | 6 June 2018 |
| Ireland | 11 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 28 August 2012 | 28 August 2012 |
| New Zealand | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 29 February 2020 | |
| Pakistan | 20 | 4 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 29 August 2012 | 4 June 2018 |
| South Africa | 14 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 11 September 2012 | 11 September 2012 |
| Sri Lanka | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 28 October 2012 | 28 October 2012 |
| West Indies | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 26 March 2014 |
- ICC Associate Members
| Opponent | M | W | L | T | NR | First match | First win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 January 2022 | 19 January 2022 |
| Malaysia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 June 2018 | 9 June 2018 |
| Maldives | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 December 2019 | 5 December 2019 |
| Nepal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 December 2019 | 4 December 2019 |
| Netherlands | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 July 2018 | 8 July 2018 |
| Papua New Guinea | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 December 2015 | 1 December 2015 |
| Scotland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 November 2015 | 29 November 2015 |
| Thailand | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 November 2015 | 28 November 2015 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 July 2018 | 10 July 2018 |
| United States | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 September 2019 | 1 September 2019 |
Titles And Achievements of Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team
The Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team has carved a niche for themselves in the realm of international women’s cricket with a series of remarkable achievements and titles, particularly within the Asian circuit. Their journey is marked by resilience, determination, and an ever-improving skill set that has propelled them onto the world stage as formidable competitors.
At the forefront of their accomplishments is the historic 2018 ACC Women’s Asia Cup victory. This triumph was not just a win but a statement to the cricketing world of their emerging prowess. Bangladesh’s victory in the 2018 Asia Cup was a watershed moment for the team, as they became champions by defeating India, a dominant force in women’s cricket, in the final. This victory was celebrated extensively upon their return to Dhaka, symbolizing the immense national pride and recognition of women’s cricket in Bangladesh. The win in 2018 marked their first Asia Cup title, a significant milestone that reflected the team’s hard work, strategic acumen, and the growing depth of talent in Bangladesh’s women’s cricket.
Beyond the Asia Cup, the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team has also shone brightly in multi-sport events, showcasing their mettle and team spirit. At the Asian Games, they clinched the silver medal twice, first in 2010 and again in 2014, demonstrating consistent performance and competitiveness at a high level. These silver medals underscored their ability to challenge the best in Asia and provided a solid foundation for their future successes. In 2022, they added a bronze medal to their collection, further evidencing their standing as a strong cricketing side within the continent.
The South Asian Games in 2019 saw Bangladesh’s women cricketers reaching another pinnacle of success as they secured a gold medal. This victory was a testament to their dominance in the South Asian region and highlighted their growth and development as a team. Winning the gold medal not only celebrated their cricketing excellence but also played a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and popularity of women’s cricket in Bangladesh and the South Asian region.
These titles and achievements are a reflection of the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming champions on the Asian stage. Each victory has been a stepping stone, building a legacy of inspiration for future generations of female cricketers in Bangladesh. The team’s success has not only elevated the status of women’s cricket in Bangladesh but has also contributed to changing perceptions and encouraging greater participation in the sport.
Coaching Staff And Management
The coaching staff and management of the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team play a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategy, preparation, and performance on the international stage. As of the latest available information, the head coach of the team is Hashan Tillakaratne, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. Tillakaratne, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, has been instrumental in developing the team’s skills and tactics, focusing on leveraging the strengths of the players to compete effectively on the global stage. Assisting him in this endeavor is Faisal Hossain, serving as the assistant coach. Hossain’s insights and hands-on approach are vital in refining the players’ techniques and mental toughness.
The team’s strategic direction and selection are further supported by Chief Selector Manjurul Islam and Performance Analyst Rashed Iqbal, who contribute significantly to the team’s preparations and strategies. Islam’s role involves identifying and nurturing cricketing talent across the country, ensuring a pipeline of skilled players ready to step up to the international level. Meanwhile, Iqbal’s expertise in performance analysis helps in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both the Bangladesh team and their opponents, enabling targeted improvements and game plans. This coaching and management team’s collective efforts are aimed at enhancing the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team’s competitive edge and achieving greater successes in international cricket.
The dedication and expertise of the coaching staff and management are pivotal in guiding the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team towards achieving their goals and making significant impacts in international tournaments. Their strategic planning, training regimes, and game-day tactics are essential in preparing the team to face the challenges of international cricket with confidence and skill.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team has showcased remarkable progress and resilience, highlighting their journey from regional competitions to making a significant mark on the world stage. Their historic victory in the 2018 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup, marked by a triumphant return to Dhaka, signifies not only their potential but also their emergence as a formidable force in international women’s cricket. The team’s achievements in various international competitions, including their performances at the Asian Games and the South Asian Games, further underline their growing prowess and the depth of talent within their ranks.
Under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff led by Hashan Tillakaratne, and supported by assistant coach Faisal Hossain, chief selector Manjurul Islam, and performance analyst Rashed Iqbal, the team has developed a competitive edge. This strategic and supportive management has been instrumental in honing the skills and mental toughness of the players, preparing them for the challenges of international cricket. As the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team continues to evolve, their journey represents a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the possibilities within the realm of women’s cricket and the potential for even greater achievements in the future.