The first ever bilateral women's cricket series between Bangladesh and Australia is set to start on Thursday (Mar 21). The one-day international series will be the part of the 1CC women's Championship for 2022-2025. While the first ODI is on Mar 21, the other two are on Mar 24 and 27, respectively. After the ODI series, the teams will take on each other in a three-match T20I series on Mar 31, Apr 2, and 4. All the matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The first match of the three-match ODI series will be Australia's first ODI in Bangladesh. In their only previous ODI encounter two years ago, Australia won by 65 runs.
Bangladesh's inclusion in the ICC Women's Championship has created the opportunity for this series against Australia. Bangladesh recently won an ODI against South Africa, boosting their confidence for the upcoming challenge. Their recent home success, including a win against Pakistan and a tied series with India, further strengthens Bangladesh's confidence.
Bangladesh's conditions may offer a unique challenge to the Australian players, many of whom are playing in Bangladesh for the first time. Only Captain Alyssa Healy and veteran Ellyse Perry have previous experience in Bangladesh, and that was a decade ago.
However, some Australian players have recently participated in the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India, where they experienced conditions similar to those in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh squad
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Hoque Lisa, Rabeya Khan.
Stand by: Fariha Islam Trisna, Shorifa Khatun and Lata Mondal.
Australia squad
Alyssa Healy (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck.
