Bangladesh start as favourites in Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi

As the only professional side in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, Bangladesh will be the team to watch in the tournament that kicks off in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium and the adjoining Tolerance Oval on Sunday.

Led by the diminutive wicketkeeper batter Nigar Sultana Joty, they are among the eight-team qualifier that includes the UAE, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA and Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh have made only two changes from the squad that played in the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand last year, bringing in rookie 17-year-old fast bowler Marufa Akter and left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter.

Having arrived early in Abu Dhabi, they played and won two practice games against the boys of Zayed Cricket Academy at the Tolerance Oval last Sunday and on Tuesday, and will play the UAE in the first official warm-up on Friday.

“This team has been playing together for a long time and I believe we should be playing in the World Cup in South Africa in February,” Joty told The National after the second practice game.

“Playing against the boys was a good prep for us, particularly the second game when they fielded a stronger side. These boys were playing aggressively. They bowled well and were quick on the outfield.

“We wanted to play these kind of matches before going into the Qualifier. We experimented playing a day game and batting first, and then the second under lights and fielding first.

“This we tried out as part of the qualifying match scenarios from which we can take a lot of positives forward.”

UAE's Chaya Mughal after being dismissed by USA's Bhumika Bhadriraju during their T20 Quadrangular match at the ICC Academy in Dubai. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National

Bangladesh play Ireland in the opener