Unbeaten run fuels redemption bid

Before departing for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 tournament in Thailand, Bangladesh set two key objectives: to compete for the title and provide players with much-needed international exposure after a prolonged lack of matches.

Having reached the final unbeaten, Bangladesh now focus on lifting the trophy when they face India at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok today, believing their goal of offering valuable match experience has already been fulfilled.

Leg-spinner Fahima Khatun has led the side, alongside left-arm spinner Shanjida Akther Meghla and left-arm pacer Fariha Islam Trisna, who recently featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nepal. While Fahima is a regular in the national eleven, Meghla and Trisna have had limited opportunities due to the presence of established players such as Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter.

All three have impressed -- particularly skipper Fahima, who has led from the front with 89 runs and six wickets in four matches. Meghla and Trisna have claimed seven and two wickets respectively. Shorifa Khatun and Fatema Jahan added five and four wickets, while Lata Mondol and Sarmin Sultana contributed 83 and 75 runs, highlighting the team’s collective strength.

Head coach Nasiruddin Faruque expressed satisfaction, saying several players are ready to challenge for national selection.

“For the future, Farjana Easmin Medha and Sadia Akter are performing well,” Faruque told The Daily Star yesterday.

“Players like Trisna don’t get many chances in the national team because Marufa usually plays as the main pacer, so this is a great opportunity for her to show her value. Meghla also doesn’t get many national matches, so this tournament is a chance for them to fight for a spot. 

“Fahima is doing very well so far. She hasn’t had many batting opportunities in the national team, but here she is showing her skill. I planned to promote her from number six to number four in the last match, and she contributed fully.”

Faruque also noted that other teams fielded experienced internationals, with India led by Radha Yadav and including Minnu Mani, Pakistan featuring Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Sri Lanka captained by Anushka Sanjeewani. “I saw India chase well against Sri Lanka [on Friday]; they are playing well,” he said.

Reflecting on conditions, Faruque said the wickets in Bangkok are “tricky” and “good bowling has dominated in all the matches”.

The tournament, formerly the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, was first held in Hong Kong in 2023, where India beat Bangladesh in the final. This time, the women in red and green are determined to go one step further.