Bangladesh women's cricket captain Nigar Sultana Joty has set her sights on reaching the final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup and winning a medal at the Asian Games. The Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from August 28 to September 13, with Bangladesh starting their campaign against Indonesia on August 31 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Joty believes a strong performance from the top order will be crucial to Bangladesh's chances of reaching the final.
Asia Cup Targets
Joty emphasized the team's determination to overcome their repeated semifinal setbacks. 'Our main target is to play the final because we played the semifinals quite a few times and got eliminated. This happens again and again, so we want to break this barrier this time,' she said. Bangladesh won the Asia Cup title in 2018 but failed to progress beyond the semifinals in the previous edition.
Asian Games Ambitions
Through the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will also look to build momentum for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, which will be held from September 19 to October 4. 'Our first goal is to go for a medal,' Joty said. 'We hope we can bring a medal and if it is gold, it will be even bigger.' Bangladesh won silver in the 2010 Asian Games and bronze in the 2014 edition.
Domestic Cricket Emphasis
Joty also stressed the need for greater exposure to multi-day cricket in Bangladesh's domestic competitions, particularly after the women's team received Test status. 'It would be foolish to play an international match unprepared,' she said. 'If the regular regulations come domestically, I guess we will be prepared.' Joty believes regular domestic competition in the longer format would provide the necessary foundation.
Focus on Cricket
Joty dismissed suggestions that off-field issues affect the team's performances, saying players remain focused on their cricket. 'The players are very focused on their cricket,' she said. 'We are not letting any off-field issues distract us from our goal.'
