ZCZC
BSP-08
CRICKET-WC-T20-SALMA
Salma optimistic ahead of ICC Women’s World T20
DHAKA, Oct 29, 2018 (BSS)- The upcoming ICC Women’s World T20 2018 is
expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament and is probably the most
high-profile one in six editions since it comes on the back of a highly
successful ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.
The ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018 will be held in the West Indies from
November 9-24, an ICC media release said.
The captain of Bangladesh exudes confidence in the T20 format, which is
recognised as the vehicle for the promotion and development of the game.
But, while the focus is likely to be on top teams like defending
champions Windies, three-time champions Australia and ICC Women’s World Cup
2017 champions England, the 16-day tournament gives an opportunity to other
teams to show their ability on the world stage in a format seen as the
vehicle for development of the game.
Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun is buoyant after having won the Asia Cup
title this year beating India twice in the T20 tournament and is looking
forward to the challenge of starting out in a group that includes defending
champions the West Indies, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
“Women’s cricket has come a long way during the last few years,
especially after the last World Cup. People are showing more interest and
viewership has also increased in big numbers. The quality of the game and
fiercely-contested matches have contributed to the popularity of the women’s
game and I’m confident this is a trend that will continue in the coming
years,” Salma said.
“The ICC Women’s World T20 will again get attention from every corner and
it is an opportunity for all of us to ensure that we entertain viewers.
Having done well in this year’s Asia Cup, where we were able to beat ICC
Women’s World Cup 2017 finalist India, we are confident of doing well in the
upcoming tournament.”
The Bangladesh skipper said if they able to play to their potential, this
is a good chance for them as they have a fine spin attack and see an
opportunity on the pitches of the West Indies, which may help the slow
bowlers too.
“We earn respect from our opposition after some fine recent performances
and having proved that we are not mere pushovers. All the teams are strong
enough to have an impact in the competition, but we are up for the challenge.
Considering the performances in the recent past, it is hard to name one or
two teams as potential winners but what I’m sure of is a highly competitive
event,” she added.
BSS/SG/MRI/1425 hrs