Sharmin Sultana replaces Taj Nehar in Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup and Asian Games

Top-order batter Sharmin Sultana returns as the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Monday (August 17) announced the women's squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, UAE. The same squad will also feature in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Sharmin Sultana, who last played for the national team in May 2026 against Sri Lanka, took Taj Nehar's place in the team in place of him.

“We tried Taj but she failed, which prompted us to bring Sharmin,” BCB women’s wing chief selector Sazzad Ahmed told Cricbuzz. "We are keeping another opener in the squad because our other opener, Dola (Dilara Akhter), is not among runs."

On August 28, the Women's Asia Cup will begin at the Dubai International Stadium. Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B alongside Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the UAE. Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Indonesia on August 31, before facing Sri Lanka on September 6 and the UAE on September 8. The tournament final is scheduled for September 13.

Following the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will turn their attention to the Asian Games cricket event in Aichi-Nagoya. On September 17, they will face China in the first quarterfinal at Korogi Athletic Park.

If Bangladesh progress to the semi-finals, they will face either India or Japan. The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the gold-medal match, while the losers will contest the bronze-medal match. Both matches are scheduled for September 22.

Bangladesh women's squad for Asia Cup and Asian Games: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sharmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna.