Marufa Akter's Injury Opens Door for New Faces in Bangladesh Squad

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Bangladesh fast bowler Marufa Akter will miss the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy due to an ankle injury. Nahida Akter leads a 15-member squad with new faces as Bangladesh aim for glory in the UAE.

Bangladesh's pace attack has taken a hit. Fast bowler Marufa Akter will miss the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy due to an ankle injury, forcing selectors to shuffle the 15-member T20I squad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the team, led by new captain Nahida Akter, for the tournament in the UAE. ### Marufa's Injury Opens Door for Squad Changes Marufa picked up the ankle problem just before the squad announcement, and her absence is a significant blow. She's been a key strike bowler for Bangladesh, and her experience will be missed. But as they say, one player's setback is another's opportunity. Opener Shathi Rani and allrounder Jannatul Ferdus have returned to the side, and uncapped fast bowler Disha Biswas has earned her first call-up. Rani has played nine T20Is, with her last appearance at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ferdus has featured in seven ODIs and four T20Is, most recently in April 2025. Biswas impressed during the Emerging team's tour of South Africa in July and August, taking crucial wickets. She made her Bangladesh debut earlier this year in the third ODI against Australia. Batter Sarmin Sultana and offspinner Sultana Khatun missed out on selection. ### Nahida Akter Leads in First Tournament as T20I Captain The Emerging Nations Trophy will be Nahida's first tournament as T20I captain, having taken over from Nigar Sultana last month. Sultana remains in the squad as a batter and wicketkeeper option, while Sobhana Mostary serves as vice-captain. > "Leading the team is a proud moment for me, and I'm excited to see the younger players step up," Nahida said. "We have a good mix of experience and youth, and we're ready for the challenge." The squad also includes Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Shorna Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Ritu Moni, and Fariha Islam Trisna. ### Tournament Schedule and Group The 10-team tournament begins on November 12 in the UAE. Bangladesh are in Group B with Pakistan, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. They open their campaign against Pakistan on day one at the Karwan Cricket Ground in Ajman. Marufa last featured prominently for Bangladesh at the Women's ODI World Cup last year, where she dismissed a batter in the opening over against New Zealand in Guwahati before a DRS review overturned the decision. Her absence removes a pace option from a bowling group that now leans on Biswas and the returning players. ### Full Squad - Nahida Akter (captain) - Sobhana Mostary (vice-captain) - Dilara Akter - Sharmin Akter Supta - Shorna Akter - Disha Biswas - Juairiya Ferdous - Jannatul Ferdus - Rabeya Khan - Fahima Khatun - Shanjida Akther Maghla - Ritu Moni - Shathi Rani - Nigar Sultana - Fariha Islam Trisna Stay tuned for more cricket updates and analysis.

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