Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team will begin its Asia Cup campaign against Indonesia in Dubai on August 31, with captain Nigar Sultana Joty setting a primary target of reaching the final. The tournament is being held in the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh are grouped with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and hosts UAE. All of Bangladesh’s group matches are scheduled to start at 8:30pm Bangladesh time.

Joty said the team wants to break its repeated semifinal exits rather than focus directly on the title. Bangladesh won the Women’s Asia Cup in 2018 in Kuala Lumpur after defeating India, but have not reached the final in subsequent editions. The captain said reaching the final would create an opportunity to compete for the championship. Bangladesh prepared for UAE conditions by playing two practice matches under floodlights at home.

Bangladesh have lost experienced left-arm pacer Fariha Islam Trishna to a thigh injury, with 17-year-old uncapped Farzana Yasmin called up as her replacement. Bangladesh face defending champions Sri Lanka on September 6 and UAE on September 8, both in Dubai. After the Asia Cup, the team will also target a medal at the Asian Games, with Joty saying they will aim for gold.