A major overhaul has taken place in the leadership setup of the Bangladesh women's cricket team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has appointed experienced 25-year-old spinner Nahida Akter as the new captain of the women's T20I side. She has been handed the reins for an initial tenure of one year. Her maiden assignment at the helm will be the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 scheduled for next month. Alongside her, middle-order batter Shorna Mostary has been elevated to the role of vice-captain to complete the new leadership core.
Transition Follows Nigar Sultana's Lengthy Stint
Nahida Akter takes over the position from Nigar Sultana, who led the national side across a prolonged and notable tenure. Under Sultana's leadership, Bangladesh competed in 82 matches and secured 32 victories. However, following disappointing and lackluster campaigns at both the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, Sultana recently took the decision to step down from the captaincy. Seeking fresh direction, the cricket board placed its faith in Akter, entrusting the premier bowler to guide the squad forward.
Proven Track Record as Bangladesh's Leading T20I Wicket-Taker
Nahida Akter brings immense pedigree to the role, standing as the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in women's T20I cricket. Over the course of her career in the shortest format, she has claimed 132 wickets while maintaining an impressive bowling average of 17.38. Her career-best bowling figures in T20Is stand at five wickets for just eight runs. Her impact extends to the 50-over arena as well, where she has collected 81 wickets in ODI cricket.
Having made her international debut back in September 2015, Akter has developed into a linchpin of the bowling attack through sustained consistency over the years. Among the standout milestones of her career was a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in 2023. At this year's T20 World Cup, she once again played a pivotal role against Pakistan, capturing three vital wickets to steer Bangladesh to a famous victory. Over the past three years in ODI cricket, Akter has also been instrumental in registered victories against sides like Pakistan, West Indies, and South Africa. As captain, she will now carry the dual responsibility of maintaining her bowling brilliance while directing on-field strategies.
Shorna Mostary Takes Vice-Captaincy
To bolster the on-field leadership, dynamic middle-order batter Shorna Mostary has been appointed vice-captain. Mostary recently etched her name into the history books by stroking a memorable ODI century against Australia. The spotlight will now shift to how effectively the newly appointed leadership pair of Akter and Mostary steers Bangladesh in the upcoming Emerging Nations Trophy and forthcoming international assignments.
