Defeats in the first two matches has meant Bangladeshi women’s team is already on the backfoot with a slim chance of progressing through. However, when it takes on West Indies here on Sunday, it will still matter for a team that is trying to make its mark in international cricket but seldom gets the opportunities to improve.
The lack of matches is a complaint that is put forward by even some of the top women’s teams so it was not a surprise when Bangladesh skipper Jahanara Alam said: “Last time we faced West Indies in 2014. They have played lot of matches since then whereas we have played only five. In this way we are a little bit behind.”
Bangladesh lost to India and England comprehensively but Alam doesn’t hide behind excuses of facilities or infrastructure for these results.
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“Day-by-day, we are getting better facilities. For instance, we never had a practice T-shirt before, which we do now. We are getting good enough facilities from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. But we have to prove ourselves. So, then, we will be in a position to demand more from the Board.”
Alam also added: “The top eight teams play in the ICC championship so it is difficult for the Board to arrange matches with the international teams. We have to move up to top eight so that we get more matches.”
For three-time semifinalist West Indies, after a close win over Pakistan, this match can help cover some of the cracks especially in the middle order and the lack of partnerships.
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Pacer Shakera Selman said: “It is a bit of concern but we have been working on it in the nets. We have asked our middle order to step up and build partnerships in the middle.”