Rajshahi: Bangladesh and Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket Teams are set to face off at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Monday, marking the first international ODI series ever to be held on Rajshahi soil, combining both men’s and women’s cricket. The captains of both teams unveiled the trophy at the stadium on Sunday afternoon, ahead of the much-anticipated series.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a press conference was held following the trophy unveiling where the captains discussed their preparations and strategies. Both teams view this series as a crucial component in their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty expressed that the series offers a valuable opportunity for the team to prepare for the World Cup, noting that such chances have been rare. The team has been carefully selected to provide players the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
“The series is the main focus right now. The team is playing its first international match in Rajshahi, where the wicket is good and the weather could also be an important factor,” Joty added. On the other hand, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu remarked on their lack of prior experience playing at this ground but praised the arrangements made. She emphasized the significance of every match in the series with the World Cup approaching, noting that the wicket might favor batters, and her team is prepared with strategies in mind. Athapaththu also acknowledged that Bangladesh will aim to perform well on their home ground.
The three ODI matches in Rajshahi are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and next Saturday, with each match starting at 9:30 AM. Following the ODI series, three T20 matches will be held in Sylhet on April 28, April 30, and May 2, with each match commencing at 6:00 PM.