Preparation the priority as women's Tri-Nation Series kicks off Wednesday

Bangladesh, Malaysia and Azerbaijan women's teams are all aiming to sharpen their preparations for upcoming international assignments as the Infinix Tri-Nation Series begins at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Bangladesh, ranked 104th after climbing 24 places in August's FIFA update -- the biggest rise by any team -- face Malaysia in the opener at 7:00 pm, returning to a venue where they last played in the 2013 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The tournament serves as key preparation for the home side ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, while Malaysia, who climbed 10 spots to 92nd, are using it to gear up for the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Azerbaijan, ranked 74th, have arrived to prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler hopes to show improvement following two defeats to Thailand in October friendlies. Malaysia travelled after a week-long camp, while Azerbaijan began their training after arriving in Dhaka.

Butler welcomed the opportunity for more competitive exposure, saying he was "grateful" for international fixtures and noting how difficult it can be for women's teams to arrange friendlies.

Captain Afeida Khandokar said the team are trying to execute the coach's instructions and "put up a good show" with positive results.

Bangladesh have met Malaysia three times: a 2-0 defeat in a 2017 Singapore tri-nation tournament, followed by a 6-0 win and a goalless draw in Dhaka friendlies in 2022.

Malaysia coach Joel Comelli said the series is vital ahead of the SEA Games, praising Bangladesh as a strong, youthful side and hoping his team can "enjoy the matches" while preparing.

Azerbaijan coach Siyasat Asgarov arrived with a second-string squad, as more than a dozen national players are currently with overseas clubs. With no prior camp, Azerbaijan began training in Dhaka. Asgarov said they had analysed Bangladesh's recent matches and viewed the series as valuable experience before the World Cup qualifiers, adding that the competitive gap between Europe and Asia "is not significant".