Ireland W face Bangladesh on Sunday in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi.
Sportz18 Expert Fantasy XI:
Wicket-Keepers: Nigar Sultana
Batters: Gaby Lewis, Sharmin Akther, Amy Hunter
All-Rounders: Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Salma Khatun, Leah Paul
Bowlers: Arelene Kelly, Fahima Khatun, Rachel Delaney,
Captain: Laura Delany/Orla Prendergast
Vice-Captain: Salma Khatun
Team News:
Ireland W has beaten both the Netherlands and Scotland in the recent T20 series and all-rounder.
“The vibe within the squad is really good,” said Arelene Kelly ahead of the game. [Via Cricinfo]
Arelene Kelly took two wickets on her Ireland debut in June as she helped the Irish earn a 10-run victory over South Africa.
Ireland’s women’s batting line-up includes Leah Paul and captain Laura Delany, who both hit centuries. Ireland’s women posted a record one-day score of 337-8 against the Dutch last month.
Delany and Paul are also crucial members of Ireland’s bowling attack which includes another in-form all-rounder, Orla Prendergast.
Bangladesh, who are the highest ranked nation in the qualifiers, are placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Scotland, and the USA.
Nigar Sultana Joty will be the captain for Bangladesh.
The women in green have made only two changes from the squad that played in the 50-over World Cup. Bringing in rookie 17-year-old fast bowler Marufa Akter and left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter,
Having arrived early in Abu Dhabi, they played and won two practice games against the boys of Zayed Cricket Academy at the Tolerance Oval last Sunday. On Tuesday, they played the UAE in the first official warm-up on Friday.
“This team has been playing together for a long time and I believe we should be playing in the World Cup in South Africa in February,” Joty told The National after the second practice game.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2022 Squads
Bangladesh Women
Nigar Sultana (c), Sharmin Akter, Shamima Sultana, Shohaly Ahther, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Lata Mondal, Salma Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Mst Fariha Islam Trisna, Fahima Khatun, Sanjida Akter, Marufa Akter
Ireland Women
Laura Delany (c), Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron
