Bangladesh are the favourites, we are confident as we are playing in our own backyard: Nigar Sultana Joty

Nigar Sultana, the captain of Bangladesh, asserted that her team are the favourites to win the forthcoming three-match ODI series against India, which will begin on July 16 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Despite having a 0-5 record against India in the format, Sultana feels that their recent victory over the Women in Blue in the third T20I will motivate them to defeat the rivals in ODIs.

The two sides recently concluded their three-match T20I series. Though Bangladesh were on the losing end, they managed to win the final game of the series and save themselves from a series whitewash. But ahead of the 50-over games, Nigar exuded confidence in her team and said that they can pull off a win and break the losing streak against India.

“I feel Bangladesh are the favourites because we won the last match and though the format is different, it will keep us ahead. The team has got the momentum, and we don't want to make any mistakes initially and start the series well. Certainly, we are confident as we are playing in our own backyard and secondly, after winning the last game everyone is [feeling] very positive. Everyone is geared up more than before,” Sultana said in a pre-match press conference.

India is relatively weak against legspin: Sultana Joty

The T20I series saw India winning the first game comfortably, by Bangladesh put up a solid fight in the second T20I before losing it in the final over. Despite losing the series early, they made a strong comeback and gave the Women in Blue a hard time on the field. Top performances with both bat and ball helped them clinch a victory before eventually losing the series 1-2.

“I think so far we batted better than India. In the second T20I our batters could assess the wicket well and played shots accordingly. We have to take some time on this kind of wicket and in T20I we will not get that time, but in ODI we will certainly have that time. The batters need to stay there till the end and play positively,” Sultana added.

"We are seeing India is relatively weak against legspin and so we are using an additional legspinner and the team is benefiting and management is doing what is better for the team," she further said.