ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh Recall Taj Nehar, Drop Sarmin Sultana From Squad

Bangladesh have recalled top-order batter Taj Nehar to their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, while Sarmin Sultana has been left out following the team’s recent home series against Sri Lanka.

The 28-year-old Nehar returns despite modest numbers in international cricket so far, having scored 44 runs in eight T20Is. Her most recent appearance for Bangladesh came against West Indies in January 2025.

Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed explained that Nehar’s flexibility in the batting order played a key role in her selection ahead of Sarmin.

“We were thinking of Sarmin Sultana for the one-day format. Taj Nehar is a versatile cricketer who can bat between No. 1 to No. 6 in the batting line-up,” Sajjad said. “The selectors believe that Nehar can solve the problem of scoring quick runs in the last five overs.”

Bangladesh will once again be captained by Nigar Sultana, who is set to lead the side in her third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup after previously captaining the team in the 2023 and 2024 editions.

The squad features a strong core of experienced players, including veteran spinner Fahima Khatun, who is preparing for her seventh T20 World Cup appearance. Fahima has been part of every Bangladesh Women’s T20 World Cup squad since 2014.

Vice-captain Nahida Akter, along with Ritu Moni and Nigar, have all represented Bangladesh in the tournament since the 2016 edition. Overall, 11 players from the current squad were also part of the 2024 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates.

Bangladesh head into the tournament after a disappointing 3-0 home series defeat to Sri Lanka earlier this month. The setback came after an impressive seven-match winning streak during the World Cup qualifiers.

As part of their preparations, Bangladesh will travel to Edinburgh on May 25 for a tri-series involving hosts Scotland and the Netherlands. The team will then move to Loughborough for warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament.

Placed in Group 1, Bangladesh will face the Netherlands, Australia, Pakistan, India and South Africa. Their opening match will be against the Netherlands on June 14 at Edgbaston.

Bangladesh Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Nigar Sultana (captain, wicketkeeper), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous and Taj Nehar.