The Tigresses face a critical challenge in their quest to turn their fortunes around.

The Bangladesh team has arguably undergone its best preparation yet for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE, which kicks off on October 3. With a series of international matches, a domestic T20 tournament, and extensive training camps, they are clearly focused on achieving success in this global event. However, it remains to be seen if they can capitalize on this preparation and deliver their best performance in the 10-team tournament, starting with their match against Scotland in Sharjah. Aside from their Asia Cup victory in 2018, the Tigresses have struggled to achieve significant success in white-ball cricket, although they have managed to defeat some strong teams in bilateral series.

On the world stage, the Tigresses have faced considerable challenges, holding the lowest win percentage (9.52) in T20 World Cups among teams with at least 20 matches. They are also at risk of extending their current losing streak in T20 World Cups, which stands at 16 matches and is just one loss away from matching Ireland's record of 17. This history raises valid concerns about another disappointing World Cup performance this year.

Currently ranked ninth in the WT20I rankings, the Tigresses often struggle against most teams due to a lack of batting technique, limited power-hitting, and an over-reliance on captain Nigar Sultana Joty.

Another significant hurdle is that Bangladesh hasn't faced enough top-tier teams, particularly England and the West Indies, who are also in their group. They have played against these teams only three times each—losing all six encounters during the 2014, 2016, and 2018 T20 World Cups. 

However, there are some positives for the Tigresses. Their bowling lineup, especially the spin department, looks promising with quality performers like Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Rabeya Khan.

Last year, Bangladesh achieved their first T20I victory against South Africa—one of their group opponents—drawing the three-match series 1-1. The team features a good mix of youth and experience, and if they can leverage this combination effectively, Joty's semifinal aspirations could become a reality.

"To reach the semifinals, we need to win against three teams. We have specific strategies for each opponent. If we can implement our game plan, it will benefit us. We've defeated South Africa in T20Is. We rarely play against England, usually only in World Cups, so it might be challenging for them as well," Joty said during a press conference in Mirpur on September 24.

To achieve this ambitious goal, however, Joty and her team must first break their losing streak by defeating Scotland; otherwise, they risk a downward spiral.