Nigar Sultana to captain Bangladesh in Women's T20 World Cup 2026
Synopsis
Bangladesh announced their World Cup squad with captain Nigar Sultana leading a balanced mix of experience and youth. Arriving unbeaten from qualifiers and bolstered by a 16-run win over Scotland in 2024, they face a challenging group headlined by Australia, India, and South Africa — setting up a pivotal tournament for the team's seventh World Cup appearance.
Key Takeaways
Nigar Sultana Joty named captain of Bangladesh for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 .
Nahida Akter appointed vice-captain; 15-member squad announced on 10 May .
Bangladesh qualified unbeaten through group stage and Super Six phase of the Global Qualifier.
Group-stage opponents: Netherlands ( 14 June ), Australia ( 17 June ), Pakistan ( 20 June ), India ( 25 June ), South Africa ( 28 June ).
Pre-tournament tri-series in Edinburgh ( 25 May ) against Scotland and Netherlands ; warm-up matches at Loughborough .
Bangladesh on Sunday announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty retaining the captaincy. Spinner Nahida Akter has been named vice-captain as the team prepares for their seventh appearance in the global tournament. The squad reflects Bangladesh's growing competitive edge in the T20 format, built on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign through the Global Qualifier earlier this year.
Squad composition and key players
The 15-member contingent balances experience with emerging talent. Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, and Shorna Akter provide batting depth, while the bowling unit leans on Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Marufa Akter. Young players including Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous have earned selection on the back of strong domestic performances, signalling Bangladesh's investment in youth development.
Path to qualification
Bangladesh secured their World Cup berth by remaining unbeaten through both the group stage and Super Six phase of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier. This undefeated run underscores the team's consistency and tactical maturity — a marked improvement from their earlier T20 campaigns. The team enters the tournament with momentum, having also posted a memorable 16-run victory over Scotland in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup.
Pre-tournament schedule and group fixtures
Before the main event, Bangladesh will travel to Edinburgh on 25 May for a tri-series featuring Scotland and Netherlands, followed by official warm-up matches at Loughborough. Their group-stage campaign begins on 14 June against Netherlands at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Subsequent fixtures pit them against Australia (17 June, Headingley, Leeds), Pakistan (20 June, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton), India (25 June, Old Trafford, Manchester), and South Africa (28 June, Lord's, London).
Tournament outlook
The fixture list presents a stern test: Bangladesh will face three of the traditional powerhouses — Australia, India, and South Africa — alongside competitive challengers Pakistan and Netherlands. Success will hinge on Nigar Sultana's batting form and the bowling unit's ability to execute under pressure in English conditions. Notably, this is the first World Cup in which Bangladesh enters with an unbeaten qualifying record, raising expectations for a deeper tournament run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of Bangladesh for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026?
Wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty is the captain of Bangladesh for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. She retains the role after leading the team in previous tournaments.
When does Bangladesh play their first match in the World Cup?
Bangladesh plays their opening group-stage match against Netherlands on 14 June 2026 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
What was Bangladesh's path to qualifying for the World Cup?
Bangladesh secured qualification by remaining unbeaten through both the group stage and Super Six phase of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier, demonstrating consistency and tactical maturity in the lead-up to the main event.
Which teams will Bangladesh face in their group stage?
Bangladesh will face Netherlands, Australia, Pakistan, India, and South Africa in the group stage, playing matches on 14, 17, 20, 25, and 28 June respectively.
Who is the vice-captain of the Bangladesh squad?
Spinner Nahida Akter has been named vice-captain of the Bangladesh squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
