The Bangladesh women’s team captain, Nigar Sultana, has created a new controversy by dragging the Indian Women’s World Cup-winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, by taking a sharp dig. Her comments came while responding to the former pacer Jahanara Alam’s claims that she had hit and misbehaved with the junior players in the national team. 

Sultana denied the allegations and used the moment to reference Harmanpreet’s infamous 2023 outburst during the Indian side’s trip to Bangladesh, where the Indian captain smashed the stumps with her bat after a leg before the wicket decision and publicly criticized the umpires, triggering a major controversy.

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“Why would I hit anyone? I mean, why would I strike the stumps with my bat? Am I Harmanpreet, that I would go around hitting the stumps like that? Why would I do it? In my personal space, if I’m cooking or something, I might bang my bat around, I might hit my helmet — that’s my own business. But why would I do something like that to someone else? Why would I get physical? Just because someone says so?” Joty expressed in an interview with Daily Cricket.

Bangladesh captain slams Harmanpreet Kaur to create new controversy

In an old interview, it was claimed that the junior players were called to be beaten by Sultana, but the Bangladesh captain said that if that was the case, the players would have approached the team management. India recently earned the Women’s World Cup 2025 by beating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

“The way I’ve been described in front of everyone — I’m not that kind of girl at all. First, I heard that Jahanara apu has made an allegation about me, saying that someone called her in Australia and said, ‘Please save us, Jyoti apu is beating us and finishing us off.” Joty added.

“What I’m trying to say is: someone who hasn’t been here for six or seven years and has gone off to Australia — if I really beat someone or harmed someone in any way, is there no team management, no manager, no coaching staff? Am I the ultimate authority then?” Bangladesh captain shed light.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly denied allegations of physical abuse made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam against the national women’s team captain, Nigar Sultana Joty. Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, alleged in an interview with Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kantho that Sultana had physically assaulted some teammates.

Nigar Sultana recently led Bangladesh during the 2025 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh placed seventh out of eight teams after just one victory against Pakistan, but they gave competitive games against England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The team struggled, but Sultana was commended for her calmness as captain and her performances.

In response to Alam’s allegations, the BCB released an official response, firmly rejecting the accusations and suggesting they were false. “The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth. The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women's Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage,” the statement read, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

BCB Backs Team and Leadership

The board further stated that the timing and intent of the remarks appeared to be deliberate and ill-intentioned, aimed at damaging team morale. “The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride,” the BCB added.

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“It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public. The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women's National Team's leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel,” it said.

Sultana, who had a solid individual campaign at the World Cup with 150 runs, continues to be a key figure in Bangladesh women’s cricket. With 1,474 runs in 60 ODI innings, she remains a pillar of stability for her side. The Bangladesh women’s team is currently on a break following the World Cup but will resume action in December with a white-ball tour of world champions India Women.

Sri Lanka Women won their maiden match of the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup with a seven-run victory over Bangladesh Women during Match 21 at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Full of drama, the match saw captain Chamari Athapaththu take charge from the front with both her bat and ball, steering her team to the narrow victory. The game became a nail-biting finish as Bangladesh, though dominant for the better part of the chase, spectacularly collapsed in the last overs.

Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost opener Vishmi Gunaratne on the very first ball to Marufa Akter, putting pressure on their innings early on. Chamari Athapaththu (46 from 43) and Hasini Perera (85), however, rescued the innings with a 72-run partnership, which was pivotal in placing the innings in good stead. Together, they provided a strong platform to Sri Lanka, but once they were dismissed, the middle order was unable to keep the momentum going. The team, which had been cruising at 155-4, were bowled out for 202 off 48.4 overs eventually. Shorna Akter was the star for Bangladesh with 3-27, while Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter got important wickets.

In reply, Bangladesh's chase began on a poor note as they stumbled to 44-3 in 16 overs. But skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (77 off 98) and Sharmin Akhter (53) stemmed the flow and pulled the innings back with patience and discipline. Their stand placed Bangladesh in a commanding position at 176-3 with only 27 runs from the last 30 balls required for victory. But Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Chamari Athapaththu, again flip the match dramatically towards the end to record a thrilling victory. Below are the top reasons for the Bangladesh Women defeat:

1. Collapse of Batting in the End

Bangladesh was sailing toward victory before collapsing to five wickets in eight balls. They went from 176-3 to 195-9, unable to cope with increasing pressure. The batters lost focus in the final moments of the inning which allowed Sri Lanka to reinforce their position in the game. The collapse was ultimately the biggest reason Bangladesh lost in a heartbreaking defeat.

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2. Poor Start to the Top Order

Bangladesh's top order struggled to create momentum at the start of the innings, with Rubya Haider going for a duck and Sobhana Mostary just adding eight runs. After 24 runs during the Powerplay, Bangladesh were quickly put on the back foot. With a lack of early partnerships, there was a lot of work for the middle order to do.

3. Nigar Sultana's Injury Issues

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty's hamstring pull was a huge setback for Bangladesh. While she could manage only a gritty knock of 77, her restricted movement spoiled her run and shot choice towards the last overs. Her wicket was at a timing when Sri Lanka could capitalize on it, and once she was dismissed, Bangladesh's chase lost direction, handing Sri Lanka a deserving win.

New Zealand Women secured a convincing 100-run win against Bangladesh Women in Match 11 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. New Zealand batted first after winning the toss and put a good score of 227/9 on the board in their 50 overs. Skipper Sophie Devine (63 runs) and Brooke Halliday (69 runs) played their part, sharing a vital 112-run partnership to salvage the innings after early deterioration reduced New Zealand to 38/3. Rabeya Khan was the Bangladeshi bowlers' choice, with 3/30.

In reply, Bangladesh-W also struggled miserably in their pursuit of 228, being finally bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs. Only three Bangladeshi players scored above double figures, with Fahima Khatun (34 runs) and Rabeya Khan (25 runs) showing some resistance in a losing cause. New Zealand bowlers stood out in a wonderful performance, led by Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, who each claimed three wickets, providing a one-sided victory for their team.

NZ-W vs BAN-W: Who said what?

Brooke Halliday (Player of the Match):

"I guess the biggest thing after the couple of days was being okay with getting ones and being okay with being boring. We knew the plan, bat long till the 40th over and then have the party time. It’s easy to bat with Sophie; she keeps it simple, and that helps me. What we did well today was keep things simple with the ball, and it worked for us."

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Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh Captain):

"We bowled well early on but couldn’t maintain consistency with the bat. After 40 overs, we leaked too many boundaries, and that cost us. The lower middle order is trying hard, but we need more from the top batters. Hopefully, the bowlers continue this form, and our batting unit steps up in the next game."

Sophie Devine (New Zealand Captain):

"Really pleasing for this side to get on the board. Conditions were tough, but Brooke and I accepted that it wouldn’t be easy. Mair and Lea were exceptional with the ball, attacking the stumps and keeping pressure on. Every point is gold in this tournament, so we’ll take each game as it comes."

England Women registered a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in Match 8 of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Bangladesh, who won the toss, chose to bat first but could not score as they would have liked. Sobhana Mostary played patiently for her 60 runs from 108 balls, while wickets kept falling at the other end. A quick 43 runs from Rabeya Khan in the final overs helped Bangladesh reach 178 runs before getting all out in 47.2 overs.

England's pursuit was not off to a good beginning, with Marufa Akter bowling superbly and removing two wickets early. But captain Heather Knight countered with a composed and assured innings, making 76 off 107 deliveries. Charlie Dean assisted her by making 23, as the duo guided England out of early woes. Though they lost a couple of wickets in the end, England overhauled the target in 45.5 overs to achieve a four-wicket victory. 

ENG-W vs PAK-W: Who Said What?

Heather Knight (Player of the Match):

"Those weren't the easiest conditions. Bangladesh have got a good bowling attack. They are skillful. We were under pressure but happy to get across the line in the World Cup. On Marufa Akter – she's a very good bowler. She gets that late swing which is rare. She's a trump card and it was a challenge for us. I got reprieved a couple of times. Capsey played really well to get a little partnership. Charlie also played well. We spoke about building a partnership. The way they bowled with accuracy, it was good to get that partnership under pressure. Good. I have lost a few kgs. It has been ages since I have fielded 50 overs and batted for so long. There will be some stiffness but happy to do so."

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Nat Sciver-Brunt (England Women Captain):

"Yeah, we did what we needed to get over the line. Before the tournament, we spoke as a group that we need to be gritty and resilient to get over the line. It could have looked better but we are a happy side. Early on, it felt it was easier to hit seam. Capsey bowled some important overs. It was very valuable and we were happy to restrict them to that total. We are pretty lucky to have Linsey and Sophie who can bowl in the death. Something to think for me when the lights come in, it's easier to bat and bring back Bell in the attack or hold back Sophie. Talking about the balance of the side, great thing is we have Charlie coming in at that number. The calmness that they both showed was brilliant. We would have liked to get over the line with more wickets in hand."

Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh Women Captain):

"It was an incredible game how my girls fought till the last ball. It was incredible. We lost early wickets but Sobhana played a good knock but no one supported her. Rabeya played a good cameo. We were 20-30 runs short on this surface. I wanted to play till the last ball. It would be more effective to get 10-12 more runs. They are very young and can't make decisions sometimes so we wanted to help them. Fahima did really well but if we got some support from Rabeya and Nahida – our main bowlers, maybe we would have some chance."

Bangladesh Women secured a dominating victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 by winning seven wickets against Pakistan Women in Match 3 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Bangladesh side put in a complete performance by allowing their bowlers to restrict Pakistan to a cheap total and then allowing their batters to chase it down with ease.

Pakistan, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, had a disastrous start. Both openers Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin were dismissed for ducks, leaving the side under pressure from the first over. Muneeba Ali tried to fight back but only made 17, while Aliya Riaz (13) and Sidra Nawaz (15) also failed to make big scores. The only resistance came from Rameen Shamim with 23 and captain Fatima Sana with 22. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Pakistan were bowled out for just 129 in 38.3 overs.

Bangladesh bowlers were outstanding. Shorna Akter led the way with a brilliant spell of 3/5 in 3.3 overs, including three maidens. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter took two wickets each to keep Pakistan on the back foot. Chasing 130, Bangladesh never looked troubled. Rubya Haider impressed on debut with 54 runs off 77 balls, while Sobhana Mostary (24) and captain Nigar Sultana (23) guided the team to victory in 31.1 overs.

PAK-W vs BAN-W: Who said what?

Marufa Akter (Player of the Match):

“Everyone supported me. Sobhana Mostary, whenever I bowled, she tells me that you are a good bowler and you can do it for the team. The team analyst also told me two months back that I can get the player of the match and it has happened. (On getting swing with the new ball) First four balls, I look to assess the conditions. I was getting good swing and I was maintaining good line and length. Both wickets, were good (chuckles). Yes, first, I cannot understand where the ball went but then I figured and went for it the next time. I always feel that I am the best fielder in the team.”

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Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh Captain):

“Yeah, I am happy. See, a good toss to lose. We wanted to bat first as well. I just told my girls that we need quick wickets in the powerplay and how Marufa bowled in the powerplay, she stole the show. I think, she (Marufa Akter) is very young and mature cricketer. She knows her role well. How she delivered today in the middle is quite incredible. See, after the first innings, we talked about playing our natural game. I think Jhelik (Rubya Haider) batted well on her debut and other batters around her batted well. I think, sometimes you feel pressure when you lose early wickets. We wanted to build partnerships. This is the kind of culture we wanted to create in our team. We wanted to start well and carry this momentum into the tournement.”

Fatima Sana (Pakistan Captain):

“I think in the first over of the match, we gave a couple of wickets and that was the turning point. In the next game, we will try to make a comeback in the World Cup. I think we just collapsed during our batting. Some players are playing their first World Cup and they are definitely under a bit more pressure. However, the team atmosphere is very good and we as a unit are gelling very well. I think it was a better pitch for the pacers as it was seaming a bit but it was good enough for batting as well. We were unable to execute our plans in the first innings.”

Bangladesh is following all avenues it can in order to make an impact at the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka on September 30.

This will be only Bangladesh’s second appearance at a Women’s World Cup (after their debut at New Zealand in 2022, where they had a single win). In order to surpass their last success, the team has been preparing for this WC with mixed training camps, practice matches, and match-scenario drills to better players’ skills and mindset.

At present, a number of players competing for the World Cup have played in the recent three-team Challenge Cup tournament in Savar before the entire squad relocates to Sylhet in early September. In Sylhet, the players will attend a nine-day training camp with a focus on three practice matches under day-night conditions that will be crucial as all seven group matches for Bangladesh in this year’s tournament will be day-night matches.

Chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon reiterated the necessity of replicating World Cup scenarios as accurately as possible. “The girls will have a six-day break following the Challenge Cup. After that, we are taking the team to Sylhet for a nine-day practice camp. We will have three practice matches under lights, and there will be match scenarios too,” Shipon told The Daily Star.

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Nigar Sultana Joty’s side blends experience and preparation as they look to surpass their 2022 debut

After Sylhet, the squad will then return to Dhaka and continue under lights again before departing for Colombo, where they will play warm-up matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka ahead of their October 2 World Cup opener against Pakistan.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty will lead the campaign again after Bangladesh's phenomenal advancement of the game in women's cricket recently. The team hopes to build on previous performances as they have experienced players like Fargana Hoque, while aiming for consistency and resilience.

With camp organization, hard practice matches, and a plan of action, Bangladesh is giving itself every opportunity to rise on the world stage. Their journey from New Zealand 2022 to India and Sri Lanka 2025 is one of self-belief, preparation, and a burning desire to prove they are eligible to be counted among the elite.

Bangladesh Women captain Nigar Sultana got a life after suffering a stumping due to a bizarre incident.

Bangladesh Women and West Indies Women met in the crucial Group B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah. West Indies Women chose to field first after winning the toss. 

During the first batting, Bangladesh Women got a steady start. Sobhana Mostary and the skipper Nigar Sultana were building a good partnership to move the scoreboard confidently. 

During the 12th over of the innings, West Indies Women had a great chance to end that partnership. But one mistake cost the Caribbean team.

Keeper Shemaine Campbelle made a costly mistake

On the fifth ball of the 12th over, Nigar Sultana danced down the track to face Ashmini Munisar’s outside off stump good length ball. While Sultana missed that delivery, wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle stumped her timely. The leg umpire went to the third umpire, where Sultana’s right foot was seen on the line. 

It was a comfortable decision to give an out, but Campbelle’s unknowingly mistake cost the Caribbean team. To grab that ball, Campbelle’s gloves moved to the front of the wicket as it was ultimately called a no-ball. It would be 65/3 in the Bangladesh scorecard, but it ultimately recorded 66/2. 

 

 

 

 

 

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With that no-ball, the third-wicket partnership moved to 33 runs. On the next delivery, Sultana hit a four on the free hit. 

Karishma Ramharack picked up four wickets

In the next over, that third-wicket partnership was broken by Karishma Ramharack after adding 40 runs. This time Campbelle managed a successful stumping. It was Ramharack’s third wicket in that match, as she earlier dismissed both the Bangladesh openers. 

That dismissal worked well for the Caribbean team as Bangladesh struggled to score quickly after that. Skipper Sultana scored 39 runs, while Mostary scored 16 runs. Opener Dilara Akter (19) and Ritu Moni (10) were the other Bangladesh batters to reach double-digit scores in that innings.

Bangladesh Women scored 103/8 in 20 overs. Karishma Ramharack ended with the bowling figures of 4-0-17-4. These were the fifth-best bowling figures by a West Indies bowler in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history. Also, Afy Fletcher (2/25) bagged two wickets, and Hayley Mathews (1/19) took one wicket in that innings.