|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh women’s team captain Nigar Sultana Joty expressed enthusiasm ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating that they are aiming for a semifinal spot.

The Tigresses secured a dominant 4-1 series win against Sri Lanka A. Several national team cricketers participated in the series as preparation for the World Cup.

Skipper Joty was determined to break their drought in the T20 World Cup as the Tigresses had been without a win since 2014, securing victories against Ireland and Sri Lanka.

“First, we will try to win the first match. We have not won a game in the World Cup since 2014. We played good cricket. However, there is no meaning in playing good cricket if you cannot win matches. First, we want to win the match. Secondly, when we reach the semifinals," said Joty in the press conference before the World Cup.

"Our goal will remain the same. We know that if we want to take our cricket further, then we may not have a bigger stage than the World Cup. We want to perform well, not only me every cricketer in Bangladesh team, we want to do something good," she said.

Joty was excited for her 100th International appearance for the Bangladesh team and she repeated her will to secure the elusive win in the prestigious tournament.

"First match will be special... we want to win the first match. This is very special to me. It will be a great achievement for me and my team. Definitely... As a player, in the 100th match, I still don't know if I can play. If Allah keeps me healthy, then I will definitely play. If I play, the first goal will be to win," she added.

Bangladesh will compete in Group B of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 along with England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.

While Group A includes six-time champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

The Tigress is set to kick off the tournament with a match against Scotland on October 3 in Sharjah. Followed that they will cross sword against the West Indies on October 5.

Then they will face West Indies on October 11 in Sharjah before they play their last Group B match against South Africa on October 13.

The tournament was initially scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but due to the political unrest and travel advisories of a few participating nations, the event was moved to the UAE.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains its hosts, partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to ensure the successful completion of the event.