Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Returns to Action in Women’s T20 Asia Cup
Report by Adil Mehmood
Dambulla: The Pakistan women’s cricket team will make their comeback in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, starting Friday, following recent series losses to the West Indies and England.
The tournament will kick off with Nepal facing the UAE, while Pakistan will have their first match against India, one of the tournament’s favorites, on Saturday.
Group Stages: Pakistan is placed in Group ‘A’ with India, UAE, and Nepal. Group ‘B’ includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Team Outlook: Pakistan’s recent performance has been challenging, with only one win in their last 14 matches, including both One-day Internationals and T20 Internationals. This poor run has led to significant changes in their coaching staff, with Mohammad Wasim appointed as head coach, and Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman joining as assistant and spin-bowling coaches, respectively. The women’s selection committee has also seen frequent adjustments.
The team, which includes six new players from the squad that toured England, has undergone an 11-day training camp in Karachi. Captain Nida Dar expressed optimism about the team’s preparation. “We have worked very hard in the camp and addressed our weaknesses. Our goal is to play positive and fearless cricket, adapting to the conditions here,” Dar said.
Upcoming Matches: After the game against India, Pakistan will play against Nepal on July 21 and the UAE on July 23. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for July 28.
Previous Performance: In the last T20 Asia Cup held in Sylhet, Bangladesh, in October 2022, Pakistan reached the semi-finals but lost to Sri Lanka by just one run.
Squad:
- Nida Dar (captain)
- Aliya Riaz
- Diana Baig
- Fatima Sana
- Gull Feroza
- Iram Javed
- Muneeba Ali
- Najiha Alvi
- Nashra Sandhu
- Omaima Sohail
- Sadia Iqbal
- Sidra Amin
- Syeda Aroob Shah
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
