Bangla women keen to make an impact in World T20

For many players in the Bangladesh women's cricket team, the visit to Bengaluru for the opening phase of their World T20 campaign has been an eye-opener. It is a rare exposure to a big city, where they have arrived with dreams of punching above their weight. The journey to India may have been short but they have taken a road less travelled by womenfolk of their country. Their path is dotted with social pressures and lack of opportunities. But the Jahanara Alam-led side is determined to make a positive impression.

Their first victory came on Saturday when they thumped Ireland by eight wickets in a warm-up game. It was sweet revenge against the Irish who had beaten them in the final of the qualifier for this tournament, in Thailand last year.

With women's sport still at a nascent stage in Bangladesh, each win matters for this team which earned its one-day debut in 2007. The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. Its biggest strength is that the players back each other on the field and emotionally off it.

For Fargana Hoque or Pinky as she fondly called, the decision to pursue cricket changed the scenario at home. Pinky's father strongly opposed her decision to become a sportsperson but her paternal grandmother came to her rescue. "We are four children and my father is a strict man. He didn't like the idea of me playing sport, particularly cricket which we played with boys. There used to be constant fights at home. But for my grandmother's support I wouldn't be here," said the 21-year-old from Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh.

The right-hand top-order bat, who has been an integral part of the national side since making her debut in 2011, said: "People added fuel to the fire saying a girl of marriageable age should be reined in. My teammates have been a huge source of comfort for me. Now my father is gradually accepting my choice of sport."

The Bangladesh men's team too has been supportive. "When we meet at practice they discuss cricket with us and tell us how to go about our game," said the AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli fan.

GRANDMA'S SUPPORT

"I love cricket." This came as a selfintroductory line from 18-year-old Nigar Sultana. The wicketkeeper-batter from Dhaka too found a supporter in her grandmother when her father asked her to choose studies over cricket.

"International cricket has changed our lives a lot. When we went to Thailand for the qualifiers, I bought a leather bag for my mother with her name on it. She had tears in her eyes and has since showed it off to all those willing to see it," smiled Sultana.

Players like skipper Jahanara Alam, who hails from an affluent family from Khulna city, 400km away from Dhaka, have been lucky when it comes to family support. "My family supported me but there were people who urged my parents to get me married. But I'm grateful I was allowed to chase my dreams," said the former volleyball and handball player.

A majority of the Bangladesh cricketers enjoy Bollywood movies with Shah Rukh Khan being a favourite. But for now, the song and dance can wait as the girls are gearing up for the opener against India on Tuesday.