The Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team is set to face Ireland in a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20 series. The first ODI, scheduled for November 27 at Mirpur, will mark the beginning of an important campaign for the Tigresses. Ahead of the series, the team has already begun intensive preparations.

In a media interaction, Bangladesh batter Sharmin Akhter Supta shared her thoughts on the series, emphasizing the team’s confidence and determination to secure victory. With the matches carrying ICC Women's Championship points, Sharmin highlighted the importance of every game in their journey to qualify directly for the World Cup.

Speaking about the upcoming series, Sharmin said, “We are ranked higher than Ireland, and our players have been performing well for a while now. We believe we are a stronger ODI side compared to T20s. Our record against Ireland in ODIs is also promising, so we’re quite optimistic. Our preparations are aligned with these expectations.”

When asked about the team’s strategy, Sharmin remained tight-lipped but expressed her faith in the squad’s strengths. She added, “We are focusing on our strong areas and planning accordingly. All three matches are crucial for us, especially if we aim for direct qualification to the World Cup.”

Discussing the blend of senior and junior players, Sharmin remarked, “We’ve been playing in domestic competitions like the National League and the Dhaka Premier League, which ensures everyone earns their place based on performance. On the field, senior players provide guidance, while juniors bring fearless cricket. This balance strengthens the team and keeps everyone motivated.”

Sharmin highlighted the significance of the series, saying, “Every match will be played for points. If we win all three games, it will be a memorable achievement. Each match carries pressure because losing one could jeopardize the series. Our focus is on securing eight points from this series and building momentum for the upcoming West Indies matches.”

Sharmin also opened up about her personal goals, stating, “I’ve been working on my batting, especially on rotating strike and improving my power-hitting. Singles are crucial for maintaining the flow of the game, and I’m also focusing on enhancing our power-hitting skills.”

On working with newly appointed assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, Sharmin shared, “I’ve worked with him for years, and his input has significantly refined my game. His coaching style, vision, and on-field strategies are immensely beneficial for the team.”

Reflecting on the progress of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, Sharmin said, “In the last 4-5 years, women’s cricket has evolved remarkably. It’s becoming a viable career path, and increased sponsorships have created a supportive environment. Our responsibility is to ensure this progress continues and opens more doors for future players.”

Looking ahead, Sharmin is optimistic about the team’s future. “We aim to be among the top 4-5 teams globally. Within the next few years, I believe we can win multiple Asia Cups and consistently compete with top teams. While an ODI championship might be challenging right now, our goal is to narrow the gap with the leading teams.”

The three-match ODI series will begin on November 27 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, followed by a three-match T20 series in Sylhet.