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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the 16-member Women’s ODI and T20I squads for the forthcoming home series against the West Indies. The series, slated to commence in mid-April, marks a significant encounter for both teams as they gear up for the white-ball battle on Pakistani soil.
ODIs as part of ICC Women’s Championship
The upcoming series will kick off with a set of three One Day Internationals (ODIs), integral fixtures within the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. This championship holds paramount importance as teams vie for points to secure direct qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup scheduled for the following year. Following the ODIs, a series of five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) will take place, offering vital preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Leadership and squad inclusions
Nida Dar, the seasoned all-rounder, will continue to lead the Women in Green in both formats. However, the participation of veteran cricketer Bismah Maroof in both squads is contingent upon her fitness. In the ODI squad, the return of wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz is notable. Sidra, boasting significant experience with 67 ODIs and 56 T20Is under her belt, last represented Pakistan in ODIs against South Africa in September 2023.
Likewise, the T20I squad sees the comeback of Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tuba Hassan. Ayesha, with 29 ODIs and 20 T20Is, last featured in Pakistan’s T20I squad against South Africa in 2021. Feroza’s last T20I appearance was against Sri Lanka in 2022, while Shamim’s last T20I match dated back to 2019 against South Africa. Hassan, who debuted in ODIs against Australia in 2023, was last seen in T20I action against England during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.
Selectors’ vision
Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar expressed the significance of the series against the West Indies, highlighting the pivotal role of ODIs in the ICC Women’s Championship. He emphasized the team’s aim to secure maximum points leveraging the home advantage, thereby strengthening their prospects for direct qualification to the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
“The series against the West Indies is important for us as the ODIs are part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. We are aiming to secure maximum points in the series, taking advantage of our home conditions, to enhance our chances for direct qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup,” said Jaffar in an official statement.
Also READ: South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2024, Women’s ODI series – Date, Match, Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Pakistan Women’s ODI squad
Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof (subject to fitness), Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
Pakistan Women’s T20I squad
Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof (subject to fitness), Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani.
