Proving a point where it matters most

Bangladesh have been the surprise packages of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup, showing consistency despite limited preparation and minimal international exposure beforehand.

The Tigresses began their campaign with a memorable victory over Pakistan in Colombo before putting up a spirited fight against four-time champions England in Guwahati, drawing widespread praise for their skillful and spirited display.

Before departing for the World Cup, expectations surrounding Nigar Sultana Joty's side were relatively modest. Bangladesh had not played any international match since the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan in April, with their preparation largely restricted to fitness drills, skill camps, and a few practice matches against a men's Under-15 side.

Concerns also surrounded Bangladesh's fragile batting lineup, with much of the responsibility appearing to rest on skipper Joty. However, the team's performances since their warm-up fixtures have defied those assumptions, as several new and emerging players have stepped up to share the responsibility.

In their campaign opener, debutant Rubya Haider Jhelik struck an unbeaten fifty to steer Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Pakistan after Marufa Akter's incisive spell had restricted them to 129.

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Building on that start, Sobhana Mostary hit her maiden fifty, with Rabeya Khan adding an unbeaten 43 off 27 to lift Bangladesh to 178 on a testing surface against title-aspirants England, who then were reduced to 103 for six through Marufa and Fahima Khatun's breakthroughs. However, Heather Knight's unbeaten 79 denied Bangladesh a famous victory.

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Swing it in like Marufa

Despite the narrow defeat, batting coach Nasiruddin Faruque was encouraged by what he saw. "So far, the batters are delivering very well-organized batting," Faruque told The Daily Star yesterday.

"Since the warm-up game against Sri Lanka, where we scored over 240 [242] and won by one run, the players have maintained the same process and clarity of roles."

Faruque was particularly impressed by the improvement shown by Mostary and Rabeya, noting that the pair now understood their roles better.

"Mostary can anchor if Joty fails, just like Jhelik did in the first match," he said, adding that Rabeya's batting had become "much more complete."

Looking ahead, Faruque urged the team to stay grounded as tougher challenges await, starting with New Zealand in Guwahati on Friday.

"They'll be under pressure after losing two games," he said, adding that if Bangladesh "execute their plans well," another upset could be on the cards. He also confirmed that Marufa has recovered from the cramps that restricted her bowling in the previous match.