Bangladesh have recalled experienced top-order batter Sharmin Sultana for the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2026 and Asian Games in Japan, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board announcing a 15-member squad on Monday, as reported by The Cricket Times. The same group of players will represent the country in both tournaments as Bangladesh prepare for a busy month of international cricket.

Sharmin's Return

The return of Sharmin is the biggest talking point from Bangladesh's squad announcement. The top-order batter last represented the national team against Sri Lanka in May 2026 and has now been brought back into the setup ahead of two important assignments. Her inclusion comes at the expense of Taj Nehar, who was part of Bangladesh's squad at the last World Cup. According to The Cricket Times, Sharmin's experience at the top of the order could provide Bangladesh with greater stability as they look to make a strong impression in the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh Squad and Group B

Nigar Joty will continue to lead the side, while Nahida Akter has been named vice-captain. The squad also includes several familiar faces, including Dilara Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni. The Women's Asia Cup will begin at the Dubai International Stadium on August 28, with Bangladesh placed in Group B alongside Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the UAE, as reported by both Cricket Addictor and The Cricket Times.

Bangladesh will open their Asia Cup campaign against Indonesia on August 31, then face Sri Lanka on September 2, and complete their group stage against the UAE on September 8. The final is scheduled for September 13. As reported by The Cricket Times, the same squad will also represent Bangladesh at the Asian Games that follow, where they can face China in the quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park on September 17.

Asia Cup Format and Historical Success

The 2026 Women's Asia Cup runs from August 28 to September 13 in Dubai, with eight teams competing in the T20 format. All 15 matches, including the two semi-finals and the final, are being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the format, each team plays three group stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The 12 group-stage matches run from August 28 to September 8, with the knockouts starting on September 10. The tournament final is scheduled for September 13, and each finalist will play five matches in total.

The eight teams have been divided into two groups: Group A includes India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong China. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. The semi-finals line up the Group A winner against the Group B runner-up, and the Group B winner against the Group A runner-up.

India are the most successful team in Women's Asia Cup history, with seven titles, while Sri Lanka are the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition by defeating India by eight wickets in the final at Dambulla. That final saw India score 165 for 6, with Sri Lanka chasing down the target in 18.4 overs—Athapaththu made 61 and Harshitha Samarawickrama scored an unbeaten 69. Sri Lanka begin their title defence against the UAE on August 29.

Pakistan, with Fatima Sana leading, open their campaign against Thailand on September 1, while Hong Kong China kick off the entire tournament on August 28 against Thailand. India begin against Thailand on August 30 before meeting Hong Kong China on September 3 and Pakistan on September 5. India are without the injured Jhooo Rodrigues, ruled out by a hamstring tear and replaced by Pratika Rawal, as reported by Cricket Addictor.

Coverage notes that Sri Lanka are the defending champions and the hosts are among the tournament's emerging sides. A claim carried only by Cricket Addictor states that the group stage runs from August 28 to September 8 and the knockout stage starts September 10, with the final on September 13. The same report notes the group-stage fixtures and the semi-final schedule.