Sarmin replaces Nehar in Bangladesh squads for Asia Cup, Asian Games

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squads for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, UAE, and the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday.

Top-order batter Sarmin Sultana, who last played for the Tigresses against Sri Lanka in May, has been included in place of Taj Nehar.

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The 32-year-old right-hander scored 42 runs in three WODIs and remained unbeaten on one in the third WT20I -- the only T20I she played in the series after returning to the national fold following a seven-year absence.

Nehar, a top-order batter, was part of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup squad and played only one match during the tournament -- in July against South Africa. Her lack of returns at the top of the order led to her exclusion, BCB women’s team chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon told reporters on Monday.

The Women’s Asia Cup begins on August 28, with all matches to be played at Dubai International Stadium. Bangladesh will face Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the UAE in their Group B matches on August 31, September 6 and 8 respectively. The final is scheduled for September 13.

The Tigresses will then turn their attention to the Asian Games, which will also be played in the T20I format. Bangladesh will face China in the first quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park on September 17.

If Bangladesh reach the semifinals, they will face either India or Japan. The bronze and gold medal matches will be held on September 22, with the semifinal winners contesting the gold medal and the losers playing for bronze.

Bangladesh women’s squad for Asia Cup and Asian Games:

Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna.