Nigar Sultana has challenged Bangladesh’s batters to come to the party against West Indies in a match that will have big implications for both sides’ semi-final hopes.

The Tigers skipper led her side to victory over Scotland in their opening match but they were beaten by 21 runs against England last time out.

West Indies also have one win and one defeat under their belts so far and whoever comes out on top in Sharjah on Thursday will keep their last four hopes alive.

Bangladesh have found runs hard to come by in their two games in Sharjah to date but scores have been getting gradually higher at the venue and Nigar hopes this bodes well for her side.

“We need to improve on our batting because in a crucial time I think we failed as a batting unit,” she said.

“Our bowlers have done their job very nicely in the last two games but we are struggling with the batting side so we are definitely looking forward to see a bit of improvement.

“It's good to see that very good scores have been scored by our opponents and the wicket is getting better for the batters.

“It seems like the wicket will help the batters. It’s really helpful for us because we've been struggling with the batting unit so it's definitely a bit of a good thing to understand that if we really execute our batting plan as a batting unit, we will definitely work it out.”

Nigar went on to reveal that several members of her squad had been indulging in retail therapy in recent days, making the most of Dubai’s famous malls.

On the field, she has scored 38 runs across her two innings so far and was run out at a crucial time against England, a match which saw Sobhana Mostary impress with 44.

Reflecting on her own form, Bangladesh’s captain said: “I always try to enjoy myself but whenever I get into bat I always bear in my mind that as a top order batter, I should get going for the team.

“In the last two games, I wasn't able to play my own game. And I think there is a lot more I can do for the team.

“So definitely, as a person, as an individual player, I will look to the next game and want to play my best game.”

West Indies’ batting line-up showed what they were capable of when chasing down 100 inside 12 overs against Scotland on Sunday and assistant coach Ryan Austin has warned there is plenty more to come.

Austin is adamant captain Hayley Matthews will find form as the tournament progresses and is pleased with the depth of his side’s batting line-up, with 23-year-old Qiana Joseph impressing in her quickfire 31 against the Scots.

“When you have a Hayley Matthews and a Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor on your side, it becomes pretty easy, you know, because these girls have a lot of experience,” he said.

“They are already having conversations amongst themselves and I am sure they are confident.

“Having said that, Hayley hasn't scored any runs as yet, so I am pretty sure she's hungry. Bangladesh and England better watch out, because she's coming.

“We also have some players like Chinelle Henry, who is really hitting the ball really hard, and there's also Aaliyah Alleyne, who can hit it as well. And Qiana Joseph, is playing well. So, along with those ‘big three’, the other girls are really stepping up and stepping into line, which is a positive for us.”

Source: ICC

BDST: 1032 HRS, OCT 10, 2024
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