Tigresses reveal dreams and aspirations of doing well in the Women's T20 World Cup

The home-ground World Cup has moved to the United Arab Emirates. However, Bangladesh has not lost its hosting rights, as it remains the official organiser of the Women's T20 World Cup this time. While they won't enjoy the comfort of playing at home, Bangladesh's cricketers are brimming with confidence. In fact, Nigar Sultana Joty, Jahanara Alam, and Marufa Akter are more hopeful than ever. Despite not securing a single win in the last four editions since 2014, Bangladesh has its sights set on the semi-finals this time.

Bangladesh will leave for the World Cup on 26th September and face Scotland in their opening match on 3rd October, a team they have never lost to in T20 cricket. Winning this match will end their 10-year winless streak and fuel their mission to challenge England, West Indies, and South Africa on their journey to the final four. Before departing, the cricketers shared their World Cup dreams during an open media session on the day of their official photo session. The Business Standard also spoke individually to all 15 players selected for the World Cup squad.

Nigar Sultana Joty, Wicketkeeper-Batter (Captain):

The goal in the World Cup is, of course, to win matches. Apart from 2014, we have never won a match in the World Cup. We have played good cricket, but it means nothing if we can't win. Our first goal is to win matches. Secondly, once we get into the flow... who wouldn't want to play in the semi-finals? Our aim will be to do something like that. We know that if we want to take our cricket a step forward, there is no bigger stage than the World Cup.

Nahida Akter, Spinner (Vice-Captain):

The team's expectations from me never feel like pressure, it gives me extra motivation. Since the captain has expressed her trust, we will try to fulfil her hopes. We have been playing together since 2015. I have a good understanding of Joty apa, and she has one of me. We always discuss the team's improvement. My goal is to deliver my best performance at the World Cup.

Jahanara Alam, Pacer:

This will be our sixth T20 World Cup. I am proud to have been part of all of them. We were fortunate to beat Sri Lanka and Ireland in the 2014 World Cup at home. I believe this World Cup will be tougher for us. There are no Asian teams in our group, which makes it harder. However, nothing is impossible. If we can put in a team performance like we did in the 2018 Asia Cup, nothing is impossible.

Marufa Akter, Pacer:

In the World Cup, I will try to give my best, and the rest is in Allah's hands. I haven't spoken to any of the pace bowlers. If I make a mistake in my bowling, Jahanara apa corrects everything. My bowling has swing, though the World Cup wickets might be different. I will try my best to contribute to the team.

Fahima Akter, All-Rounder:

As I'm an all-rounder, contributing with the bat along with bowling is crucial for the team. I have spoken to the coaches, and they have worked a lot with me. I played in Sri Lanka, where we worked intensively. I now think more about batting than bowling. Even though people work with me, I believe I know myself better, and how much I can contribute with the bat. If I get the chance to bat in the World Cup and need to score 20 off 10 balls, I will aim to achieve that.

Sobhana Mostary, Batter:

In the last series, I batted with confidence, and it worked well in some matches. I want to carry this confidence into the World Cup and give my best to the team. There are expectations from me, and I want to fulfil them. I have analysed a lot of things, whether it's about poor shot selection or failing to play according to the team's situation in domestic or international matches. I've worked hard to overcome these issues.

Murshida Akter, Batter:

Everyone has ambitions for the World Cup. It's our biggest stage. Everyone dreams of doing well here. My aim is to give my best if I get the chance. I will play wherever the team needs me. The captain or coach may have a plan, but it all depends on the team.

Ritu Moni, All-Rounder:

I think it's time to contribute more with the bat for the team. A batter plays a vital role in the team. I'm working to improve in that area. Everyone has goals and dreams for the World Cup, and so do I. Inshallah, I will aim to maintain a strike rate above 100 in the World Cup. I have been working towards that.

Sworna Akter, All-Rounder:

I hope to achieve something great in the World Cup. As I bat in the middle order, I have a responsibility towards the team. I'm proud to play for Bangladesh, and I will try to contribute to the team's success. Being an all-rounder, my focus is also on bowling and fielding. I want to perform well in all areas. Everyone wants to do well on such a big stage, and I'm no different.

Rabeya Khan, Spinner:

I enjoy the responsibility of being a key bowler for the team, and I take it as a challenge. I enjoy it more because my bowling partners and the rest of the team encourage me, saying, "You can do it, do this, and it will work out." This World Cup team is good, and we can hope for a semi-final spot. We have that ability. This is a team sport, and there's nothing personal here. We will try to play as a team.

Dilara Akter, Wicketkeeper-Batter:

Inshallah, you'll see me playing longer innings this time, as I've been working on that. I've spoken to the coach and Joty apa about extending my innings. I have the shots, but I can't play longer innings. We've had discussions and worked on it, but the rest is in Allah's hands. I have the plans in my head, and now I need to execute them on the field.

Taz Nehar, Batter:

I am very happy to have made the World Cup squad. I never imagined I would get a direct spot like this. I was shocked to see my name on the World Cup team list; it was completely unexpected. If I get the chance to play, I will give my best.

Sultana Khatun, Spinner:

As a bowler, my job is to bowl well for the team. If I can take wickets in the first two overs, it will benefit the team. I will try to bowl economically, and if I can take wickets, that will be even better.

Sathi Rani, Batter:

When I started playing cricket, I aimed to follow how international players open their innings. In world cricket, we see them scoring centuries off 50-60 balls. I wanted to follow that path, and Allah has kept me in good shape so far. I've been doing this from the start, so there's no pressure. I will play my natural game in the World Cup since it suits me. In Bangladesh, I follow Shakib bhai, as he is someone who can adapt to anything. There's a lot to learn from him both on and off the field.

Disha Biswas, All-Rounder:

I have prepared well for the World Cup. Whenever the opportunity comes, I'm ready to give my best. I have worked hard, though it feels awkward to say that myself. I'm trying from my end. I'm working hard so that I can do something good for my team and leave a legacy for the next generation. Inshallah, I want to finish my career with a sense of satisfaction.

Hashan Tillakaratne, Head Coach:

Our preparations have gone well this time, just as we needed. I'm very confident the girls will perform well. I believe they are confident enough and will do what's necessary for the team. I believe this team has all the ingredients. They have the potential to go far. It's all about sticking to our plans in batting, bowling, and fielding. If we can do that and execute our plans, why can't we go far?