Women face tough task
Bangladesh women's cricket team will face a daunting task when they launch their campaign in the Women's Asia Cup against defending champions India at the Welagedera Stadium tomorrow.
Hosts Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan, the other participating teams in the fourth version of the competition, in the other opening day's match at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
The four teams will play two series of round robin matches at the two venues and the top two sides in the league standings will qualify for the final on May 11 in Kurunegala.
When Sri Lanka are looking forward to stop India's domination and Pakistan were preparing for tough challenge, the Bangladesh women cricketers will try to impress everybody in their first appearance.
Bangladesh team captain Salma Khatun also said while talking with the local reporters that they will need to perform brilliantly to make an impact in the tournament.
Bangladesh women's team warmed up well at home by winning all four games against Hong Kong in March.
"We are hoping to give our team at this age group (a chance) to play, learn and gather knowledge through experience," said Salma.
India is favourites as they won all four previous titles.
The inaugural Women's Asia Cup was played in Sri Lanka in April 2004 with only two teams -- Sri Lanka and India -- taking part while the next episode was held in Karachi in December 2005 and January 2006. The third was held in Jaipur in December 2006.
SQUAD
Sathira Zakir Jessy, Shukhtara, Ayesha Akhter, Salma Khatun, Irin Sultana, Chamily Khatun, Rumana Akhter, Panna Ghosh, Shamima Akhter Pinky, Jahanara Alam, Lily Rani, Tithi Rani, Papiya Haque Babu, Mina Khatun.
ITINERARY
May 2: Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan (Dambulla)
India vs. Bangladesh (Welagedera).
May 3: Sri Lanka vs. India (Dambulla)
Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Welagedera)
May 5: Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh (Dambulla)
. India vs. Pakistan (Welagedera).
May 6: Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan (Welagedera)
India vs. Bangladesh (Dambulla)
May 8: Sri Lanka vs. India (Welagedera)
Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Dambulla)
May 9: Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh (Welagedera)
India vs. Pakistan (Dambulla).
May 11: Final (Welagedera).
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