Tigresses confident for good start utilizing home conditions

The first-ever Womens One Day International (WODI) series between Bangladesh and Australia is set to commence today, marking a significant milestone in both teams cricketing histories.

The match will kick off at 9:30am (BST) at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Australia secured a 2-1 victory in the ODI home series against South Africa before this encounter, while Bangladeshs previous ODI series also saw them facing Proteas, resulting in a 2-1 loss for the Tigresses.
Bangladesh boasts a strong track record at home, having defeated teams like India and Pakistan in recent encounters. However, the absence of experienced opener Shamima Sultana due to injury, will be felt by Nigar Sultana Joty-led side.

Fargana Hoque Pinky is likely to partner with Murshida Khatun as the opening pair for Bangladesh, while Joty, Sobhana Mostary and Sultana Khatun will form a formidable middle-order, supported by all-rounders such as Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun and Shorna Akter. Vice-captain Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter and Disha Biswas will serve as specialist bowlers.

The Australian lineup comprises dreadful players such as Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Anabel Sutherland, skipper Alyssa Healy, wicketkeeper Beth Mooney, Kim Garth, Alana King and Tayla Vlaeminck.

"This series holds immense significance for us," stated Bangladesh skipper Joty during a pre-match press conference at the Home of Cricket in Mirpur on Wednesday. "Australia is a very strong side and champion team. Playing against them provides invaluable experience for us."

Describing the guests as the etter side, she emphasised Bangladeshs strengths and the advantage of playing at home. "Our familiarity with the conditions gives us an edge," she added.

"Our batting appeared stronger during the recent South Africa tour, while our bowling excelled during the home series against India and Pakistan, which bodes well for our team," she continued.

"We are currently in an ICC cycle and every point is crucial for us, regardless of the opponent. We aim to accumulate as many points as possible to avoid the qualifiers," Joty roared before the series opener.

Australia also expressed excitement ahead of the series, with skipper Healy stating, "The team is thrilled to be in Bangladesh. For many of our players, this marks their first-ever tour of Bangladesh. While we regularly compete against teams like India, England and New Zealand, opportunities to play against Bangladesh are rare. Facing new opponents in unfamiliar conditions presents a welcome challenge and the team is prepared to embrace it."

The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium usually favours batters with an average first innings score of 226 runs. The weather conditions are favorable and the team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first to set a competitive total.