: Bangladesh will face World Cup debutant Scotland in the Group B opener in Sharjah. Pakistan also open their tournament against Sri Lanka in the opening Group A match at the venue.

Bangladesh vs Scotland

The Bangladesh cricket team had been wanting to play this match at home; however, some unplanned non-cricketing reasons changed the venue. Nevertheless, it’s a golden opportunity for the Bangladesh team to show their potential at the world level.

For Scotland, it is an important match as this is their first outing of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Being a team ranked lower than Bangladesh in the group, Scotland would want to earn points and gain confidence before facing great teams like England, West Indies, and South Africa.

The Bangladesh cricket team is looking to make a statement, while Scotland wants to use this opportunity to celebrate their historic moment with a memorable victory. This promises to be an exciting clash with plenty on the line for both teams.

The Squads
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas

Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (vc), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell

Time And Location: Thursday 3 October (14:00 local time, 15:30 IST), Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

It is a rematch of the semi-final of the Asia Cup from July, which Sri Lanka won in an exciting final-over contest, eventually claiming the title itself.

Sri Lanka wants to emulate that and get off to a flying start in their bid to reach the knockout phase of the T20 World Cup, against expectation. For that to happen today, Chamari Athapaththu’s side would become the first team with a chance to top their group, given the nature of their fixtures against Australia, India, and New Zealand.

Recent form would surely give Sri Lanka an upper hand, and in light of their warm-up matches-a loss to Scotland and another to Bangladesh-comfort should be a major cause of concern for Pakistan.

The tournament serves as a new chapter in women’s cricket for Pakistan since 22-year-old Fatima Sana has taken over the mantle of captaincy. She would be hoping for a much-needed win on the first day of opening and getting the season off on a positive note.

The Squads
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan

Travelling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wk)

Non-travelling reserves: Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana.

Travelling reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana

Time And Location: Thursday 3 October (18:00 local, 19:30 IST), Sharjah Cricket Stadium