Bangladesh include Taj Nehar in squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh named Taj Nehar in their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squad despite her limited international experience.

Nehar's selection rationale The 28-year-old cricketer Nehar has amassed just 44 runs across eight T20I matches, her only international appearances for Bangladesh to date. Her most recent T20I appearance occurred against West Indies in January 2025. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed explained that Nehar was preferred over Sarmin due to her adaptability. He stated, "We were considering Sarmin Sultana for the one-day format. Taj Nehar is a versatile cricketer who can bat between No. 1 to No. 6 in the batting line-up." The selectors trust Nehar to address the challenge of accelerating scoring rates in the final five overs of innings. ## Team leadership and experience Nigar Sultana will captain Bangladesh for a third straight T20 World Cup, having led the side in both 2023 and 2024. The squad features several seasoned players, including Fahima Khatun, who is set to compete in her seventh T20 World Cup. Fahima has been part of every Bangladesh squad for the tournament since 2014, while vice-captain Nahida Akter, Ritu Moni, and Nigar have been regulars since the 2016 edition. Out of the current group, 11 players participated in the 2024 tournament held in the UAE. ## Recent form and preparations Bangladesh have struggled in their recent fixtures leading up to the T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. They suffered a 3-0 whitewash at home against Sri Lanka after beginning the series following a seven-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers. The team will depart for Edinburgh on May 25 to participate in a tri-series with hosts Scotland and Netherlands, followed by warm-up matches in Loughborough. Their T20 World Cup campaign starts on June 14 against Netherlands at Edgbaston, where they are placed in Group 1 alongside Australia, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, and South Africa. ## Full squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026 The selected squad includes Nigar Sultana (captain, wicketkeeper), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter (wicketkeeper), Juairiya Ferdous, and Taj Nehar.