Juairiya Ferdous called up for Sri Lanka ODIs

Juairiya Ferdous called up for Sri Lanka ODIs

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, headlined by a maiden call-up for 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous.

In another notable development, right-handed batter Sarmin Sultana has been recalled to the ODI side after a seven-year gap, adding experience to a batting unit led by Nigar Sultana Joty.

Juairiya, who has already featured in seven T20Is for Bangladesh, is the only uncapped player in the ODI squad. Her inclusion underlines the selectors' intent to inject youth into the middle order ahead of a busy season.

"I think Juairiya and Sharmin will bolster our batting, as both can adapt to different positions and are aggressive by nature," women's chief selector Sazzad Ahmed told Cricbuzz.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Friday, April 17, and will travel directly to Rajshahi, which will host the ODI leg of the tour. The teams will have two days of practice before the series begins.

The three ODIs will be played on April 20, 22 and 25 at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, with all matches starting at 9:30 AM.

The tour will then move to Sylhet on April 26 for a three-match T20I series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, before Sri Lanka depart on May 3.

Bangladesh ODI squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Farzana Haque, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter Supta, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sarmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Juairiya Ferdous.