‘Our biggest strength is our unity’
Bangladesh's success in the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup is heavily dependent on the performance of Nahida Akter, their highest wicket-taker across both white-ball formats. The 25-year-old left-arm spinner recently talked to The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan and shared insights about their preparation, plans and expectations from the tournament. The excerpts are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): How is the team's preparation for the World Cup?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Nahida Akter (NA): Since returning from Pakistan [in April], we have been doing camps in Bangladesh continuously. We have played a number of competitive matches. So, overall, the team's preparation has been very good. Personally, I have been working on a few areas for quite some time to develop further. To perform in big tournaments, you must be prepared in many aspects, otherwise, it becomes difficult to bowl in such events. I feel my preparation has been good.
DS: You mentioned bowling, but everyone has been impressed with your recent batting. Are you working separately on that?
NA: My primary role in the team is as a bowler, and that will always come first. After that, it depends on the team's needs. Sometimes I bat at number seven, sometimes at eight, or wherever the team requires. The management trusts me in that role, so I have also been working on my batting with our coach. During individual sessions, I focus specifically on my batting. My confidence with the bat has improved a lot compared to before.
DS: The team has been together as a group for the better part of the last five months. How do you see the team bonding?
NA: Our biggest strength is our unity. Honestly, in the last five months, we've probably spent more time together than with our own families. That has helped build a very healthy environment. The way we support each other on and off the field, whether it's through one-to-one conversations or group discussions, has been excellent. We also have a captain who takes care of organising everything for us, so we can just focus on our game. If everyone gives their best, I believe the team can achieve good results.
DS: You are the only Bangladeshi bowler in the top 10 of the ICC WODI bowlers' rankings currently. Does that create extra pressure?
NA: Perhaps, I'm getting more attention right now, but we actually have many quality spinners, and their contributions are just as significant. Our spin group as a whole is very strong. Alongside that, our pace department has also been improving. We used to take just one pacer, but now we take two, and in the future, it could be three or four.
Of course, it's not easy. With recognition comes pressure. But I enjoy it and always take it as a challenge. At the end of the day, what matters most is bowling well as a team.
DS: You made your debut about 10 years ago but have played only three T20Is in India. Do you think the team's lack of experience on Indian soil is a disadvantage?
NA: Our schedule in the last four years simply didn't align with India's, so we didn't get a chance to play there. But World Cup wickets are usually true wickets. What matters is how we execute. If our batters perform as a unit and our bowlers maintain discipline, we can compete. Thinking too much about the lack of experience will only hold us back.
DS: Recent series in Pakistan and India have seen high scores regularly. How do you think Bangladesh's batting lineup compares to that?
NA: Realistically, we need to reach that level. Consistency is crucial for us. In many of our past matches, one player has carried the team, but if others had chipped in, we could have done much better. In World Cups, high scores are normal since pitches are sporting wickets. If we cannot put up 250+, our bowlers will struggle. The whole batting unit has to contribute -- from the top six to the lower order. If we can do that, we will always be in the fight.
DS: The recent defeats to U-15 boys drew a lot of flak on social media against the side. Has that affected the team?
NA: Criticism will always be there, we have to accept it. But if we take it too seriously, it would affect our game. We try to ignore it as much as possible. Of course, sometimes it feels bad, but at the end of the day, we focus on cricket and move forward.
DS: Finally, what's your target for the World Cup?
NA: Our focus is on the first match against Pakistan. We want to win that and build momentum from there. We'll go match by match, but the aim is always to step onto the field to win. A good start can carry us through the tournament.
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