‘With every match, you grow, and that is what we’re hoping for’

After a devastating loss in the first match of the T20I series against New Zealand, the Bangladesh women's cricket team is now looking to rectify their mistakes and return with a punch for the second game today.

In the first match in Christchurch's Hagley Oval, Bangladesh were bundled out for 32- their second-lowest total in WT20Is.

Having batted first after winning the toss, New Zealand managed to put up 164-3 on the board, thanks to an 84-run opening stand between captain Sophie Devine (45 from 34) and Suzie Bates (41 off 33).

In reply, Bangladesh's innings began with despair from the get-go, with openers Murshida Khatun and Dilara Akhter falling for three and two runs respectively.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, courtesy of New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu, who took 6-4. The highest score from a Bangladeshi batter was six and it took Ritu Moni 17 balls to get there.

Having been dismissed for a duck in the first game and with a resolve to turn the tables drastically in the next, captain and wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana Joty is now looking to plug in all the holes and lead the team to a series win.

In conversation with The Daily Star, she discussed the challenges the team faced in the first match, plans for the rest of the series, and more.

TDS: Considering a loss so huge in the first match of the series, do you think it was an overall poor performance from the team or did the weather and pitch have a role to play?

Nigar: We have actually always had good batters on our side and I believe if we tried harder as a unit, we could have made it. But I do think we need to make some major improvements in our batting for the next two matches. I am hoping we can do it. The pitch, however, was a factor and our batters were taking too much time to settle in. That is definitely something we will keep in mind for today's game.

TDS: What other changes or improvements are you planning to make in the team ahead of today's match?

Nigar: Apart from some in batting, not much else. Our bowlers are still performing up to the mark.

TDS: Which NZ player will you be looking out for in the next match?

Nigar: Lea Tahuhu. She is an excellent bowler and picks up wickets at regular intervals.

TDS: How important is a series win against New Zealand for you?

Nigar: Winning any game is always important. But New Zealand is a very strong cricketing team and always have been. Winning against them will undoubtedly be a big boost in confidence for us, especially for future tournaments.

TDS: Who would you say is currently in their best form in your team, or who is your most reliable performer?

Nigar: They all are, to be honest. I trust all my players on the pitch. However, our middle-order batter Fargana Haque Pinky is someone I always speak highly of.

TDS: We have seen you during big tournaments and how you keep yourself calm ahead of and during matches. What is your mindset like in those times?

Nigar: You must know how much pressure a captain might feel ahead of a match or even during one, especially in tight situations. One must be able to keep calm because if you lose your nerve, you are likely to lose the match. One thing I always say is, "The better team will win. Let's try and be the better team."

TDS: You have an ODI series with NZ coming up right after the T20Is. What are your preparations like for that and for future bigger tournaments?

Nigar: We are preparing to the best of our abilities. With every match, you grow, and that is what we're hoping for.