The upcoming ICC Women’s World T20 2018 is expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament and is probably the most high-profile one in six editions since it comes on the back of a highly successful ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

But while the focus is likely to be on top teams like defending champions Windies, three-time champions Australia and ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 champions England, the 16-day tournament gives an opportunity to other teams to make a mark on the world stage in a format seen as the vehicle for the development of the game, reports icc-cricket.com.

Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun is buoyant after having won the Asia Cup title this year beating India twice in the T20 tournament and is looking forward to the challenge of starting out in a group that includes defending champions the Windies, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun: ‘Women’s cricket has come a long way during the last few years, especially after the last World Cup. People are showing more interest and viewership has also increased in big numbers. The quality of the game and fiercely-contested matches have contributed in the popularity of the women’s game and I’m confident this is a trend that will continue in the coming years.

‘The ICC Women’s World T20 will again get attention from every corner and it is an opportunity for all of us to ensure that we entertain viewers. Having done well in this year’s Asia Cup, where we were able to beat ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 finalists India, we are confident of doing well in the upcoming tournament.

‘If we play to our potential, this is a good chance for us. We have a fine spin attack and see an opportunity on the pitches of the West Indies, which may provide some help to the slow bowlers too.

‘We will earn respect from our opposition after some fine recent performances and having proved that we are not mere pushovers. All the teams are strong enough to have an impact in the competition but we are up for the challenge. Considering the performances in the recent past, it is hard to name one or two teams as potential winners but what I’m sure of is a highly competitive event.’