Fahima to lead Bangladesh Women’s A in Rising Stars Asia Cup

Bangladesh Women’s A team will travel to Thailand on Wednesday to compete in the ACC Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, to be held from 13 to 22 February, with Fahima Khatun named captain of a 15-member squad for the development tournament.

Alongside Fahima, wicketkeeper-batter Shamima Sultana, all-rounder Jannatul Ferdus Sumona and Lata Mondol bring experience to the side, while the pace and spin departments will be led by Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Shorifa Khatun, Sadia Akter and Sumaiya Akter.

Rubya Haider Jhelik, who featured in Bangladesh’s last Cricket World Cup squad, will be looking to regain form during the tournament.

The eight-team competition features emerging women’s sides from across Asia and will be played in a group-and-knockout format.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B alongside Sri Lanka A, Malaysia and hosts Thailand, while India A, Pakistan A, United Arab Emirates and Nepal make up Group A.

Bangladesh will open their campaign on 14 February against Sri Lanka A, before facing Thailand on 16 February and Malaysia on 18 February.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on 20 February, with the final scheduled for 22 February.

Squad: Fahima Khatun (captain), Shamima Sultana, Ishma Tanjim, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Shorifa Khatun, Sarmin Sultana, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sadia Akter, Farjana Easmin, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Taj Nehar, Lata Mondol, Sumaiya Akter, Fatema Jahan.

Standby: Disha Biswas, Misty Rany Shaha, Halimatul Sadia, Habiba Islam Pinky.