Unchanged Pakistan women team announced for twin major events
By our correspondent
KARACHI: The chief selector of the national women’s team has retained the same team that recorded their maiden T20I series clean sweep against Sri Lanka for their upcoming commitments in the United Kingdom during which they will compete in a tri-series in Ireland and Commonwealth Games in England.
The squad was finalised after deliberations amongst Asmavia Iqbal, the national women team’s chief selector, head coach David Hemp and captain Bismah Maroof, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Tuesday.
As many as 18 players have been announced for the two series which include three reserve players including Ghulam Fatima, Sadaf Shamas and Umme Hani.
Pakistan will take on T20 world champions Australia and hosts Ireland in Belfast from July 16-24 and play Barbados, India and Australia in the Commonwealth Games on July 29, 31 and August 3.
Ahead of their departure to England on July 12 the team will undergo an extensive training session in Islamabad at House of Northern from July 1-11.
“Following a successful series against Sri Lanka, we have decided to retain the same winning combination. Not only our senior cricketers in the side displayed great cricketing acumen also our youngsters were outstanding and have raised their hands whenever the team needed them to,” chief selector Asmavia Iqbal said.
“We are delighted with the start Tuba Hassan has had to her international career and feel her leg-spin will be a potent weapon for us in the days ahead. Ayesha Naseem produced a match winning innings in the second match of the T20Is against Sri Lanka and proved her big-hitting ability,” she said.
“The tri-series in Ireland and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games will test the abilities of our players and I have all the belief in them that they will live up to the expectations and show consistent results,” she added.
PCB head of women cricket Tania Mallick hped the girls will continue their form in the ICC Women’s Championship fixtures.
Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicket-keeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan.