First int'l women's ODI series in Rajshahi starts today

RAJSHAHI, Apr 19 (BSS): Bangladesh women's national cricket team and Sri Lanka women's national cricket team will face off at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium in Rajshahi city on Monday.

Combining both men's and women's cricket, this marks the first-ever international ODI series on Rajshahi soil.

Ahead of the series, the captains of both teams unveiled the trophy at the stadium on Sunday afternoon.

At the press conference held afterward, they spoke about their preparations and plans. Both teams view this series as important ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said the series provides a great preparation opportunity for the team before the World Cup, noting that such opportunities have not come often in the past.

The selectors have built the squad after considering all aspects, and players will have a chance to test themselves through their performances in this series.

"The series is the main focus right now. The team is playing its first international match in Rajshahi, where the wicket is good and the weather could also be an important factor," she added.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu said that although they have no prior experience playing at this ground, the overall arrangements are satisfactory.

With the World Cup ahead, every match in the series is important. She believes the wicket could favour batters, and her team will take the field with plans accordingly.

She also noted that hosts Bangladesh will look to perform well on home soil.

The three ODI matches in Rajshahi will be held on tomorrow (Monday), Wednesday, and next Saturday, with each match starting at 9:30 am.

After that, the three T20 matches will be held in Sylhet on April 28, April 30, and May 02, with each match starting at 6:00 pm.