The Return of Sarmin Sultana: A New Chapter for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket
Bangladesh Women’s cricket is entering a phase of transition and redemption. In a move that has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts, the national selectors have brought batter Sarmin Sultana back into the ODI side for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. This marks a significant return for the 32-year-old, who has been absent from the ODI format for seven years.
The last time Sarmin featured in an ODI was back in November 2019 during a clash against Pakistan. While she has remained active in other formats—most notably playing in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament in February this year—her return to the 50-over format suggests a desire for experienced stability in the top order as Bangladesh looks to rebuild.
Squad Shifts and New Faces
Sarmin Sultana is not the only change in the lineup. The squad for the Sri Lanka series sees three notable inclusions compared to the team that competed in the World Cup in India late last year. Joining Sultana is offspinner Sultana Khatun, who last appeared in an ODI in January 2025, and the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous.
Ferdous represents the youth movement within the squad. Having made her international debut during the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal in February, she is now poised to make her maiden ODI appearance, providing the team with fresh energy and a potential long-term option behind the stumps.
However, these inclusions have come at a cost. Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, and Sumaiya Akter, all of whom were part of the World Cup squad, have failed to secure a place in the side for this home series, reflecting the selectors’ willingness to overhaul the roster after a poor outing on the global stage.
Overcoming World Cup Heartbreak
The upcoming series against Sri Lanka is more than just a bilateral contest; it is a chance for Bangladesh to regain its confidence. The team is coming off a disappointing World Cup campaign where they managed only one victory out of seven matches, resulting in a seventh-place finish in the eight-team competition.
The hunger for a win will be palpable as Bangladesh seeks to prove that they can compete at a high level on home soil. The pressure is on the captain and the senior players to lead the newcomers and returning veterans to a series victory.
The Challenge Against Sri Lanka
Facing Sri Lanka will be a daunting task. This marks the first time Sri Lanka will play a bilateral women’s ODI series in Bangladesh. Historically, the Lankan side has dominated this matchup, maintaining an unbeaten record in completed women’s ODIs against Bangladesh, winning all three of the five completed matches.
The most recent encounter between the two sides took place at the 2025 World Cup, a match remembered as a thriller that Sri Lanka eventually won by a slim margin of seven runs. Bangladesh will be desperate to flip the script and secure their first-ever bilateral ODI series win against their neighbors.
Series Schedule and Venue
The action will unfold in two different cities. The three ODI matches are scheduled for April 20, 22, and 25 in Rajshahi. Following the 50-over series, the teams will travel to Sylhet for a three-match T20I series, with games taking place on April 28, April 30, and May 2.
Official Bangladesh ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka
- Nigar Sultana (Captain)
- Nahida Akter
- Fargana Haque
- Sobhana Mostary
- Fahima Khatun
- Sharmin Akter
- Ritu Moni
- Shorna Akter
- Rabeya Khan
- Sarmin Sultana
- Marufa Akter
- Fariha Islam Trisna
- Sultana Khatun
- Shanjida Akther Maghla
- Juairiya Ferdous
