Can Tigresses take inspiration from Miracle at Lord’s?

Bangladesh women's cricket is gearing up for the ICC Women's World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30, and the team received a timely boost of motivation in Dhaka yesterday.

The High Commission of India hosted the Tigresses in a tea party, marking their upcoming participation in the 50-over global extravaganza.

During the event, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma presented a copy of Miracle at Lord's by Srenik Sett to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's women's wing chairman, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. The book recounts India men's team's sensational journey to the 1983 World Cup triumph, and Verma expressed hope that the Tigresses would draw inspiration from that historic victory.

Photo: Collected

The gesture comes at a crucial time, with Nigar Sultana Joty and company set to depart for Colombo on September 23. This will be only their second appearance at a World Cup, following their debut in 2022 in New Zealand, and they enter the eight-team tournament with modest expectations, much like India did 42 years ago.

Preparation, however, has been less than ideal. The Tigresses have not played any international match since the World Cup Qualifiers in April. In addition, two women's teams featuring national players suffered defeats to Bangladesh men's U-15 side in recent practice matches.

Still, the encouragement from the High Commission serves as a reminder that, in cricket, upsets are always possible and that even the underdogs can create moments of history.

Apart from the players, officials, and coaching staff, women's umpire Shathira Jakir Jessy -- poised to become Bangladesh's first female World Cup umpire -- also attended the two-and-a-half-hour programme. The team presented a signed bat, a World Cup jersey, and a crest to the High Commissioner as tokens of appreciation.

Photo: Collected

"It's a great feeling to be here. Before coming here, we had a luncheon programme hosted by our board president. The Indian High Commission also showcased great hospitality for us. The High Commissioner encouraged our players, and I hope the girls will take inspiration from his words," head coach Sarwar Imran said after the programme.

The event also included several photo sessions with officials of the High Commission of India. One senior official lightened the mood by saying that he expects Bangladesh to win the trophy, adding that he could then claim to have a photograph of the winning team. While far from reality, the remark highlighted the spirit of encouragement and belief that the Tigresses can carry into the tournament.