'Time to give back’, says Joty as Tigresses prepare for World Cup

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said her side is eager to build on its experience and meet growing expectations as they get ready for their second appearance in the ICC Women's World Cup, starting September 30 in Guwahati. 

Speaking on Captains' Day on Friday, Joty acknowledged the increased interest in women's cricket back home and said that it serves as added motivation for the team.

"We are aware of our responsibility to promote cricket back home, where interest in women's cricket is growing. We believe it is time to give back to our supporters through our performances," Joty said.

Bangladesh made their World Cup debut in 2022, when they managed one victory in the group-stage. Joty believes that since then, the team has gained valuable experience both at home and abroad.

"This is our second ODI World Cup and earlier we were inexperienced and unfamiliar with winning on a big stage. However, since then, we have played a lot of cricket … and now we know how to win matches in tournament settings," she added.

Bangladesh's build-up to the tournament has not been ideal. With no international fixtures since qualifying for the World Cup in April, the team mostly prepared through training camps and practice matches, including games against men's age-group sides. A nine-day camp in Sylhet was also held earlier this month to prepare for day-night conditions.

Their first official warm-up match against South Africa in Colombo on September 25 was also abandoned due to rain but they will play another against Sri Lanka today before their opening fixture against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo.