An in-form Bangladesh women鈥檚 team would look to carry on the momentum of their ODI series sweep in the T20I series against Ireland that starts at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet today.聽
Bangladesh has struggled in the shortest format this year, winning only three out of 16 games. They had a dismal World Cup, with their single victory coming against Scotland.
But a dominating 3-0 series sweep over the Irish in the ODIs boosted the team鈥檚 confidence.聽
鈥極f course we want to win the series as we are on the peak of our form,鈥� Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty told reporters in the pre-series press conference in Sylhet on Wednesday.聽
鈥業f we can carry on the momentum, then it will be good for us. We are positive and confident but not overconfident鈥�, she added.聽
Bangladesh has had a pretty good record against the Irish. They won eight out of their 11 matches and lost three. This will be the first meeting between the two sides in two years in the 20-over format.聽
Bangladesh have a new-look squad as the likes of batter Sharmin Akter and all-rounder Jannatul Ferdus are making a comeback.聽
But Joty鈥檚 focus will be on maintaining the consistency.聽
鈥楽upta [Sharmin] apu played so well, and she had that intent; that鈥檚 why she got the chance. I鈥檓 confident with my team. Players are in touch. Now the important factor is to maintain consistency,鈥� said the Bangladesh captain.
Bangladesh last played in Sylhet in May when they were swept by India in a five-match series.
聽Joty now wants a fresh start from every aspect.聽
鈥楾his is a different format; the condition is different too. Of course we have to play carefully. The first match is important. If we can start well, then it will have an impact on the whole series.鈥櫬�
The trophy of the series was unveiled in a unique way on Wednesday.
Both captains appeared with the traditional attire of a tea-garden worker in the 175-year-old Malnicherra Tea Estate.
Joty appreciated the initiative of the BCB. 鈥業t鈥檚 beyond our imagination. It will promote women鈥檚 cricket in a different way.鈥�
