Youngsters Sumaiya and Nishita Akter named in Bangladesh squad for Pakistan ODIs

Youngster Sumaiya Akter and uncapped off-spinner Nishita Akter have been included in Bangladesh's women's ODI squad for their three-match home series against Pakistan, which begins in the first week of November 2023. All three matches will be hosted by the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on November 4, 7, and 10, respectively.

Sumaiya, who has played in one Twenty20 match, is 18 and has not yet made an appearance in a 50-over game, while Nishita is only 15. Only the veteran all-rounder Lata Mondal was excluded from the recent home ODI series squad against India, which they drew 1-1. Salma Khatun, Shorifa Khatun and Sharmin Akter have been named as standbys.

The three-game ODI series is part of the ICC Women's Championship cycle 2022-25. Bangladesh have only won one of their nine games, which puts them in ninth place in the standings. Pakistan, on the other hand, lost their previous two series against Australia (away) and South Africa (home), and they are currently ranked fourth with six victories from 12 games. In addition, having won seven of nine games, the Indian women's team currently tops the standings.

Bangladesh are coming off a 2-1 T20I series victory against Pakistan in Chattogram earlier this week. The Nigar Sultana-led side clinched the series, having won the first two games before falling short in the third game. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who claimed eight wickets, was adjudged the Player of the Series.

Bangladesh Women ODI Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (capt & wk), Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, Murshida Khatun, Shamima Sultana, Disha Biswas, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sultana Khatun, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akther Meghla, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter.

Standbys: Salma Khatun, Shorifa Khatun and Sharmin Akter