Power-hitting emerges as Bangladesh women's biggest concern in T20 cricket

The Bangladesh women's team are paying the price for a lack of power hitters at the top of the order and in the death overs. The observation was made by a coach closely involved in the development of women's cricket, following Bangladesh's exit from the ongoing Asia Cup T20 after their defeat to India.

Bangladesh have recorded one fifth-place finish and two semi-final exits in the last three editions of the Asia Cup since their 2018 triumph. Furthermore, Bangladesh have never progressed beyond the first round of the T20 World Cup, winning just two of their first 13 games in the tournament's main stages.

In the 2026 Asia Cup semifinal against India, Bangladesh managed only 26 for 1 in the Powerplay compared to India's 45 for 1. India then seized control in the final four overs, scoring 42 runs for the loss of three wickets, while Bangladesh managed just 25 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Six-hitting ability is a major source of concern for Bangladesh's women cricketers, and that weakness was exposed during their Asia Cup campaign.

Since January 2025, India have hit 100 sixes, the most by any team. South Africa have 77, West Indies 63 and Namibia 60. Bangladesh have made progress in this area, hitting 55 sixes during the same period - more than Pakistan (50), England (45), New Zealand (43), Australia (41) and Sri Lanka (40). However, during this Asia Cup, Bangladesh have hit just four sixes, compared to India's 25. Sri Lanka are next with five.

"When it comes to powerplay execution, Bangladesh have to increase their boundary hitting ability considering if they can hit more boundaries it is better for them as they struggle in the middle overs. If they have a good start and add 40-50 runs to the total it is better for them. This is a very important point that we need to address," the coach told Cricbuzz on the condition of anonymity.

"Bangladesh lack hitters in the death overs as they don't have many players to take advantage during that time and, as a result, they are lagging far behind in this situation. Except Shorna Akter there doesn't seem to be many power hitters. It is the reality and backfires against the opposition (like India). Bangladesh rely a lot on Shorna and when she fails their plans are not executed. When she clicks they get to totals around 130-140 and it is a thing that should be looked at for the future.

"Bangladesh should add two-three players for power hitting as even though they have experienced middle-order in the form of Joty, Sobhana and Supta, but in the death overs the difference is created," he added.

The coach also said Bangladesh need to develop their pace-bowling unit, given their heavy dependence on Marufa Akter, while adding that they need to bring fresh faces into the T20I set-up.

"Bangladesh rely a lot on Marufa Akter and now it is important to add new pacers to the line-up. International cricket is played on better wickets and though the Asia Cup was an exception where pitches weren't like that in the World Cup and Bangladesh faced a situation where it looked like they needed a better pace attack. They need two-three more pace bowlers and also a pace-bowling all-rounder considering this is an area of concern for them," he said.

"Bangladesh need to include young players who are fit and agile and can match up with requirements of T20 cricket and for that the pipeline is important. So it is very urgent for them to look from age-level like U-19 cricket.

"Most of the Bangladeshi women cricketers are playing in the team for many days but if they can improve their pipeline and allow the new players to express themselves internationally, they will take less time to adapt. They need players who are appropriate for T20 cricket," he added.

Another coach said the fitness of Bangladesh's women cricketers is a major concern, while stressing the need to create an environment in which players are not afraid of failure. "Fitness is a major concern and one needs to understand the reality of women's cricket - considering when it comes to food (intake) and culture it is really important that it comes from the players' side.

"It is a concern if they think they should maintain fitness only during national camps. The reality of international cricket, especially in T20 cricket, is those who are strong, fit and quick, they are adding 10-12 runs be it in batting, or fielding where if you can save five runs it really (makes a difference)," he said. "It is not a fact that the current crop are unfit players but many suggest they have to be fit in terms of international standard and so matching up to that is a major concern as the players have to be aware of this fully and concerned about their fitness.

"Bangladeshi women's cricketers need to break free from fear of failure. For that they need to create a learning environment so even if they fail they are backed. Sometimes there can be experimentation but team management needs to give the cricketers the luxury and the freedom that they will be backed by the team management even if they fail, and it is important to develop that environment.

"The players need to come out of this mental aspect. They need to have the mindset that doesn't allow them to stay in their comfort zone and to get out of this comfort zone one has to overcome the fear of failure," he added.

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