Bangladesh was one of the two teams that booked their spots for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup through the qualifying rounds, in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, by finishing second on the points table with three wins out of five matches.
Bangladesh made their maiden appearance in the ODI World Cup in the 2022 edition, where they though just managed a single victory but ensured that it was a historic one against Pakistan. Now, with momentum on their side, the Tigresses will be eager to unsettle and cause more upsets in what a crucial tournament for their cricketing landscape will be.
Bangladesh earned their place in the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup through the qualifiers, alongside Pakistan. This will be their second successive ODI World Cup appearance. Under Nigar Sultana Joty’s leadership, they will look to put up a fight. They will play their first match against Pakistan on October 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Bangladesh Team News
The 15-member squad features a mix of youth and experience as Bangladesh prepare for their second Women’s Cricket World Cup outing. Bangladesh will begin its Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo. When the two teams locked horns at the previous edition of the tournament back in 2022, Bangladesh had edged out Pakistan to clinch its first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup win.
Featuring in just its second ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Bangladesh’s batting strength lies at the top. Fargana Hoque (715 runs at 34.04) and skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (557 at 29.31) have been highlights of the 2022–25 cycle, supported by Sharmin Akter Supta (348 at 34.80). Their form extended into the Qualifiers, where Hoque (266) and Joty (241) again scored heavily. Together, they give Bangladesh a solid platform. Here is the SWOT analysis of their squad:
SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Team
Strengths :Â
Captain Joty will be crucial with the bat. In 2025 so far, she has scored 334 runs in eight innings, averaging 47.71 with a strike rate of 80.28, including three fifties and one century. Sharmin Akhter has been even better, scoring 356 runs in eight innings at 50.85 with three fifties.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Sharmin (266 runs in five innings, average 66.50) and Joty (241 runs in five innings, average 60.25) were the second and third-highest run-getters. Another name to watch is Ritu Moni, who has scored 142 runs this year in four innings, averaging 47.33 with a strike rate of 80.68, including a fifty.
One of Bangladesh’s biggest advantages heading into the World Cup is the form of their experienced batting pillars, Sharmin Akter and captain Nigar Sultana Joty. Both the batters were exceptional in the Qualifiers played in Pakistan, finishing just behind Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce in the list of top-run scorers. Sharmin amassed 266 runs at a staggering average of 66.50, while Joty scored 241 runs at an average of 60.25.
Another key strength for Bangladesh, especially in familiar subcontinental conditions, is their spin department. Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Nahida Akter were at the forefront of the team’s successful Qualifier campaign. Fahima led the charge with 8 wickets in 5 games, maintaining a steady economy of 4.75. Rabeya and Nahida chipped in with 6 wickets apiece, proving equally effective with miserly economy rates of 3.72 and 4.23 respectively.
Spinners add to their strength. Three of their top four wicket-takers this year have been spinners. Fahima Khatun (leg-break) and Nahida Akter (left-arm orthodox) have 10 wickets each, while Rabeya Khan (leg-break) has taken nine.
Adding further depth is left-arm orthodox bowler Shanjida Akther Maghla. Though she has just a single ODI to her name, the 24-year-old has already shown her effectiveness in T20Is, where she has picked up 18 wickets in 20 outings. This spin-heavy arsenal could be Bangladesh’s trump card on turning tracks.
Weaknesses :
Consistency remains a major concern. In 2025, they have played eight matches, winning four and losing four. Three of those defeats came against West Indies, who themselves failed to qualify for this World Cup. Their wins have been against West Indies, Thailand, Ireland, and Scotland — teams weaker than most in this tournament.
A notable setback for Bangladesh is the absence of Jannatul Ferdus from their World Cup squad. The 25-year-old off-spinner, who made a strong ODI return during the Qualifiers and emerged as the team’s highest wicket-taker, would have added depth to their bowling resources. Her omission comes as a surprise, leaving a gap in Bangladesh’s spin arsenal.
The squad also misses out on batter Ishma Tanjim, whose inconsistent returns of 8, 2, and 14 in the Qualifiers cost her a place, while Dilara Akter, who had featured in both the West Indies series and the Qualifiers earlier this year, has also been left out. These exclusions point to a lack of settled options beyond the frontline performers, which could expose Bangladesh if injuries or loss of form strike during the tournament.
Beyond the top four, Bangladesh’s batting lacks reliability. Middle- and lower-order contributions remain inconsistent, often leaving the side short of competitive totals. Despite occasional knocks from Ritu Moni or Fahima Khatun, depth remains limited. In this cycle, Bangladesh managed only eight wins in 24 matches, underlining its struggles against higher-ranked teams and exposing a fragile core.
Opportunities :
This is Bangladesh’s second appearance in the Women’s ODI World Cup after 2022, when they managed just one win (against Pakistan). Now, their opportunity lies in showing improvement and winning more games. Other teams may play aggressively against them to boost net run rate, and that could give Bangladesh chances to spring surprises.
Bangladesh’s squad reflects a clear investment in the future, with youngsters like Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter handed the chance to shine on the biggest stage. Both were part of the U19 Women’s World Cup earlier this year, where Akter neither just captained the side but also etched history by being the highest-run scorer for her country.
She was handed her ODI cap against Australia in March 2024. Joining her in making a global debut is 28-year-old Rubya Haider Jhelik. She has played 6 T20Is and now will probably play her first game in the 50-over format on the world stage.
Spin remains Bangladesh’s trump card, especially in Indian conditions. Nahida Akter led the attack with 32 wickets at 22.53 in the last cycle, supported by Rabeya Khatun and Fahima Khatun. With spin dominating the wicket charts, subcontinental tracks could tilt contests in Bangladesh’s favour. If the spinners squeeze opponents and the top order holds firm, upsets are within reach.
Threats :
A major concern for Bangladesh is their lack of recent match practice, with limited international cricket leading up to the tournament. The team last featured in the World Cup Qualifiers and now will straightaway bout against the best in the world in their second World Cup appearance. The side will be tested for their big-match temperament and consistency. Over-reliance on individual brilliance is a major threat. If their key players fail to deliver with bat or ball, it will be tough for them to make an impact.
Over-dependence on individual brilliance leaves Bangladesh vulnerable. Victories over India and South Africa in this cycle were rare and often hinged on one player firing. The pace attack, led by 20-year-old Marufa Akter, lacks depth, making Bangladesh one-dimensional. Against stronger batting line-ups, over-reliance on spin and an underpowered middle order may unravel quickly.
Bangladesh’s spinners can keep matches competitive, but an underpowered batting line-up remains a major hurdle. Without middle-order support, the team risks finishing at the bottom of the group stage.
Bangladesh’s Squad for Women’s World Cup 2025:
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Farzana Haque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter
Bangladesh’s Fixtures for Women’s World Cup 2025:
2 October 2025: vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
7 October 2025: vs England – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
10 October 2025: vs New Zealand – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
13 October 2025: vs South Africa – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
20 October 2025: vs Sri Lanka – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
26 October 2025: vs India – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai