What's new

[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Pakistan women's cricket team performance discussion

Pakistan are fully focused on winning the third and final ODI and with it clean-sweeping Ireland when the two teams line up for the last time in the ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. The match will be live-streamed on PCB YouTube, with the first ball to be bowled at 0930am.

After the ODI series, both sides will meet again in the three T20Is at the same venue from 12 to 16 November.

The three-match ODI series are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 and the home side will be eager to end the series collecting all six points on offer. Pakistan have played five matches till date in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, three against Sri Lanka this year and winning two of them, and are currently on the second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship with eight points. India are leading the chart with 12 points from six matches.

Opening batter Sidra Amin – who has scores of 176 not out and 91 not out from two outings in the series and was named player of the match in both matches – will be looking forward to play another match-winning innings for her side and completing a hat-trick of player of the match awards.

During the final ODI, Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof will enter the record books as the country’s most capped player in women’s ODIs. She has till date featured in 120 ODIs and Wednesday’s ODI will be her 121st appearance, taking her past Sana Mir’s 120 ODIs.

Lahore-born Bismah made her ODI debut at the age of 15 against India in Jaipur in the Women’s Asia Cup in December 2006. Her 43 runs in the match was the second-highest score for the side after Sajjida Shah’s 44. In 120 ODIs, Bismah has scored 2,960 runs (most by a Pakistan batter in the format) at 29.89, which includes 17 half-centuries.

Bismah captained the ODI side for the first time in 2013 and has led the team in 30 ODIs, scoring 958 runs. She requires another 42 runs to become the second Pakistan captain after Sana Mir (1,069) to score 1,000 ODI runs as skipper. Under Bismah’s captaincy, Pakistan have won 15 matches, lost 13 matches, and tied one match, while one game was abandoned due to rain.

Reflecting on her journey, Bismah Maroof told PCB Digital: “It is a great honour to represent Pakistan. After becoming a mother and since my comeback, I am grateful to my parents and my husband who have supported me in continuing my cricket journey.

“I have played a lot under Sana Mir, she was an inspirational leader, helping in grooming most of us and we all have learnt a lot from her. I have remained vice-captain under her and it helped me improve a lot.

“Tomorrow’s game is very important; we would like to win the third ODI to take 100 per cent ICC Championship points. We have the momentum with us and we would like to end the series on a winning note.”
 
Lahore, 9 November 2022: Ghulam Fatima’s maiden five-wicket haul and half-centuries from Bismah Maroof and Sadaf Shamas led Pakistan to a five-wicket win over Ireland in the third ODI on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and help Pakistan record a clean sweep over Ireland.

The win also help the home team take all six points for the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. Pakistan are currently on the second spot with 10 points, while India are leading the Championship with 12 points from six games.

Chasing 226 to win, Pakistan opening batters who had provided great starts to the innings in the previous two matches, failed to contribute in the third ODI and both batters Muneeba Ali (12, 22b, 2x4) and Sidra Amin (10, 22, one four) were back in the hut inside nine overs with 28 runs on the board.

Sadaf Shamas – playing her third ODI was joined by captain Bismah – who was playing in record 121 ODI. Both batters played shots at will and knitted a 124-run partnership for the third wicket. Bismah got out in the 32nd over not before scoring 57 off 70, smashing five fours.

The right-handed Sadaf struck seven boundaries during her 80-ball 72 before getting out to Eimear Richardson who was the most successful bowler for her side with two wickets for 45 runs in 10 overs.

Unbroken 33-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Omaima Sohail (25, 36b, 1x4) and Sidra Nawaz (18, 15b, 2x4) helped Pakistan achieved the target in the 48th over with five wickets to spare.

Earlier, today’s match will be remembered for many records made by the home side. At the time of toss, Bismah became the first Pakistan’s women cricketer to feature in 121 ODIs. She broke the record of Sana Mir – who featured for Pakistan in 120 ODIs from 2005 to 2019. Bismah during the course of her innings also became the first Pakistan batter to score 3,000 ODI runs. She also completed her 1,000 runs as ODI captain – second behind Sana Mir’s 1,069 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz completed her 100 international dismissals across all formats when Gaby Lewis was dismissed by Ghulam Fatima caught behind in the 22nd over. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu also completed her 100 wickets across both formats. She achieved the feat when she bowled Mary Waldron in the 47th over of the innings.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Ireland opening batters made full use of their captain’s decision and knitted a 84-run partnership for the first wicket. Lewis was the first one to return back to the hut, scoring 39 off 67 balls, hitting three fours. Her opening partner Leah Paul top-scored for her side with a 94-ball 65, which included six boundaries. Amy Hunter was other significant run getter for her side, scoring a 43-ball 41, striking seven fours.

That the Ireland were bowled out for 225 in the final over was largely due to leg-spin of Ghulam Fatima. The 27-year old Fatima was pick of the bowlers with figures of 10-1-34-5. This was her maiden five-wicket haul and ended up taking eight wickets in the series – the highest amongst both teams. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu bagged two wickets for 40 runs, while Fatima Sana and debutant Umm-e-Hani scooped a wicket each.

After winning the ODI series 3-0, both sides will feature in the three T20Is from Saturday, 12 November. The T20I series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Ireland by five wickets

Ireland 225 all out, 49.5 overs (Leah Paul 65, Amy Hunter 41, Gaby Lewis 39; Ghulam Fatima 5-34, Nashra Sundhu 2-40)

Pakistan 226-5, 47.1 overs (Sadaf Shamas 72, Bismah Maroof 57, Omaima Sohail 25 not out, Sidra Nawaz 18 not out; Eimear Richardson 2-45)

Player of the match – Ghulam Fatima (Pakistan)

Player of the series – Sidra Amin (Pakistan)
 
Ireland beat Pakistan by six wickets

Pakistan 135-5, 20 overs (Nida Dar 61, Aliya Riaz 24 not out; Orla Prendergast 3-10)

Ireland 139-4, 18.4 overs (Gaby Lewis 69, Orla Prendergast 39)
 
LAHORE – A sensational all-round performance from Orla Prendergast and a composed half-century from Gaby Lewis gave Ireland Women a six-wicket victory in the first T20I against Pakistan, their first win of the tour.

Despite a fighting half-century from Nida Dar, Bismah Maroof’s side couldn’t stop Ireland from chasing down 136 with eight balls to spare, giving them a famous victory at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

There was some surprise at the start of the match that Sidra Ameen wasn’t in the Pakistan XI: she scored 277 runs in the three-ODI series and was only dismissed once. Ameen was replaced in the side by Javeria Khan.

The day belonged to Player of the Match Prendergast, who took her first wicket with just her third delivery when opener Muneeba Ali went for a big drive but edged behind to the keeper. She was back in the dugout before Pakistan had scored a run. Prendergast followed that up by taking the big wicket of Bismah Maroof in the fifth over, a superb catch low to the ground by Louise Little at mid-on completing the dismissal.

Captain Laura Delany opted to bowl Prendergast out early following the powerplay, and she finished off in style, sending down a wicket maiden and shattering Javeria’s stumps. She finished with career-best figures of 3-10, having broken the back of Pakistan’s batting line-up early on, and give Ireland a brilliant chance of victory.

With the scoring almost completely dried up for Pakistan early in the innings, Dar looked to counterattack, scoring a rapid half-century to give her side something to defend. She dispatched Cara Murray for a six in her second over before slashing a powerful four off Delany. The Ireland skipper had her revenge, dismissing Dar lbw with two overs left in the innings, but not before she had made 61 in 43 balls.

Set 136 for victory, Ireland would have been feeling confident going into the chase. Nerves may have heightened when Amy Hunter was dismissed for one, but Prendergast at No.3, made an impact in the powerplay once again, starting with a four off the first ball she faced.

She smashed five boundaries in her innings including a six off Dar, before she was stumped on 39 off 25. The all-rounder, however, had done her job, reducing the equation to a run-a-ball off the last 12 overs.

Gaby Lewis then took over leading the chase, scoring her eighth T20I half-century off 40 balls. It was a classy knock, anchoring the innings and seeing her side home. There was some late drama which would have set Ireland’s hearts racing: Eimear Richardson was dismissed by Ghulam Fatima in the 16th over with 21 still needed for the win. But Lewis showed her composure, calmly hitting three boundaries off the last seven balls to secure the win, finishing with 69* off 54 deliveries.

A deserved victory for Ireland, their first win over Pakistan since 2014, and the first for any Irish side in Pakistan. They go 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series, with the second match set to be played on Monday, November 14.

https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/...-ireland-women-as-prendergast-and-lewis-shine
 
Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Ireland by six wickets

Ireland 118-7, 17 overs (Amy Hunter 36, Orla Prendergast 20; Nida Dar 2-19, Nashra Sundhu 2-21)

Pakistan 121-4, 16 overs (Javeria Khan 35, Nida Dar 28, Ayesha Naseem 25 not out)
 
Lahore, 14 November 2022: Nida Dar’s all-round performance and Ayesha Naseem’s quick-fire 25 helped Pakistan to a six-wicket win over Ireland in the second T20I here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday and also level the three match series 1-1. The series decider will be played on Wednesday, 16 November.

Chasing 119 to win in 17 overs, after the start of the play was delayed due to rain, the opening pair of Javeria Khan and Muneeba Ali provided a 26-run start off 19 balls before Muneeba fell to Arlene Kelly for 10-ball 12. Captain Bismah (2 off 5 balls) was next to go with 29 runs on the board.

Javeria was joined by Nida and the two most experienced batters added 46 runs for the third wicket. Both Javeria (35, 39b, 3x4) and Nida (28, 25b, 1x4,1x6) ran themselves out and Pakistan were four down with 97 runs on the board.

The right-handed Ayesha struck two sixes and one four in her unbeaten knock of 25 from 12 balls, while Aliya Riaz struck two boundaries and returned unbeaten on 11 off seven balls. Both batters helped the hosts achieved the target with one over to spare.

Earlier, after opting to field first, Pakistan bowlers kept Ireland batters in check as the tourists managed to score 118 for seven in their allotted 17 overs. Opening batter Amy Hunter top-scored for her side with a 39-ball 36, which included three fours. Orla Prendergast who was declared player of the match in the previous game managed to score 20 0ff 17 balls, hitting three fours.

For Pakistan, spinners Nida and Nashra Sundhu bagged two wickets apiece.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Ireland by six wickets

Ireland 118-7, 17 overs (Amy Hunter 36, Orla Prendergast 20; Nida Dar 2-19, Nashra Sundhu 2-21)

Pakistan 121-4, 16 overs (Javeria Khan 35, Nida Dar 28, Ayesha Naseem 25 not out)

Player of the match – Nida Dar (Pakistan)
 
Pakistan and Ireland women’s sides are all set to take on each other for one last time at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium tomorrow. Wednesday’s T20I will decide who takes the T20I trophy home as the series is tied at 1-1.

The tourists, who went down in the three-match ODI series 3-0, came back stronger to win the first T20I beating the hosts by six wickets. In the second T20I, Pakistan bounced back to win the match by six wickets with one over to spare.

The third T20I will begin tomorrow at 1000 with the toss taking place at 0930. The PCB will live-stream the match on its YouTube channel.

Tomorrow’s game has added significance with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of its social corporate responsibility supporting the Pink Ribbon campaign to create awareness about breast cancer. In that regard, both team captains, players, match officials and commentators will wear pink ribbons during the course of the match and awareness messages will be displayed inside the stadium.

Entrance for the match is free for spectators with four enclosures – Imran Khan, Rajas’, Fazal Mahmood and Saeed Anwar – open to the public. The PCB also encourage fans to wear pink for Wednesday’s fixture.

Opening batter Javeria Khan who scored 35 runs in the second T20I, speaking ahead of the third T20I said, “T20I format is such that there is very little margin to make mistakes. The Irish side have learnt a lot from the ODI series and they have shown the results in the T20I series.

“We will sit down again, rectify the mistakes made in the second T20I and will make sure we do well in the third T20I and win the match comprehensively.”

Meanwhile, Ireland captain Laura Delany expressing her views in the post-match ceremony at the end of the second T20I said, “Disappointed with the outcome of the match, we let ourselves down in the field. We don’t feel we are missing a power hitter, it’s all about executing plans in the middle. It is now up to the other batters to step up and cash in the opportunity. Overall, happy with the performance of the squad at the moment.”

The star performer for Pakistan in the series has been Nida Dar. The senior all-rounder has scored 89 runs which includes 69 in the first match and has bagged three wickets. For her all-round performance in the second T20I, Nida was named player of the match. This was her 10th player of the match award – the most for any Pakistan player. She surpassed Bismah Maroof’s nine and Javeria’s eight player of the match awards till date.

For Ireland, 22-year old right-handed batter Gaby Lewis has scored 73 runs from two outings in the series, with 69 not out her best – coming in a winning cause in the first match. The 20-year old Orla Prendergast has scored 59 runs and with her right-arm fast bowling has grabbed three wickets.

Pakistan T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Umm-e-Hani

Reserve player: Sidra Nawaz

Ireland T20I squad: Laura Delany (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Mary Waldron, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Shauna Kavanagh and Sophie MacMahon
 
Scores in brief:

Ireland beat Pakistan by 34 runs

Ireland 167-4, 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 71, Amy Hunter 40, Orla Prendergast 37)

Pakistan 133 all out, 18.5 overs (Javeria Khan 50, Nida Dar 26, Fatima Sana 14; Arlene Kelly 3-19, Jane Maguire 2-26)
 
Ireland women's team beat Pakistan women’s team by 34 runs to win the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Today’s game also added significance as Pakistan Cricket Board as part of its social corporate responsibility supported the Pink Ribbon campaign to create awareness about breast cancer. In that regard, both team captains, players, match officials and commentators had wear pink ribbons during the course of the match and awareness messages was displayed inside the stadium.

Coming into the match with series level at 1-1, Ireland’s captain Laura Delany made no hesitation to bat first after winning the toss and the opening batters made full use of the batting track and put a 110-run partnership for the first wicket. Amy Hunter was the first one to go back to the hut, scoring 35-ball 40, hitting three fours.

Right-handed batter Gaby Lewis was next to go not before top-scoring for her side with a 46-ball 71, smashing 11 fours and one six. Orla Prendergast – who was declared best player in the first T20I contributed a quick-fire 23-ball 37, which included three fours and one six.

The tourists went on to score 167 for four in 20 overs.

Chasing 168 to win, only three Pakistan batters managed to score into double figures and the side were all out for 133 in the 19th over. Right-handed opening batter Javeria Khan top-scored for her side, scoring 50 off 37, laced with seven fours. The experienced all-rounder Nida Dar was other run getter for her side, scoring a 24-ball 26, which included one four and a six. Fatima Sana, down the order smashed two boundaries in her 10-ball 14.

For Ireland, captain Delany and Arlene Kelly grabbed three wickets apiece, while Jane Maguire took two wickets for 26.

Lewis for her match winning innings was declared player of the match. She also topped the batting chart with 144 runs in the three-match T20I series and was named player of the series.

Ireland after featuring in the three-match ODI and three-match T20I series will return home in the wee hours of Thursday.

Pakistan in their next assignment will now take on Australia in Australia for three ODIs – part of ICC Women’s Championship and three T20Is in January next year before featuring in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February in South Africa.

Scores in brief:

Ireland beat Pakistan by 34 runs

Ireland 167-4, 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 71, Amy Hunter 40, Orla Prendergast 37)

Pakistan 133 all out, 18.5 overs (Javeria Khan 50, Nida Dar 26, Fatima Sana 14; Arlene Kelly 3-19, Jane Maguire 2-26)
 
Ireland Women Cricketers Celebrate After Terrific T20I Series Win vs Pakistan. Watch

Ireland registered a historic win over Pakistan, defeating the hosts in the third T20I of the three-match series to clinch a series win in their first-ever visit to the nation at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Ireland defeated Pakistan by 34 runs in the decisive match of the three-match T20I series, which was tied at 1-1; thanks to Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Arlene Kelly. Following their win, the Ireland team was seen celebrating in their team bus.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/o5vnf0" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Opted to bat first, Ireland openers Lewis and Hunter established the tone with a 110-run stand for the first wicket. Only three times in women's T20Is had Ireland managed a century stand.

Lewis and Hunter concluded the powerplay on 56 without a loss, and by the end of the tenth over, they had sped to 87. They did a good job of utilising the crease to investigate the holes in the field.

Lewis took the initiative and scored a half-century in just 26 balls, the second-fastest for Ireland in T20Is. Hunter was dismissed by Nashra Sandhu for 40, and Lewis was also out after two overs for a 46-ball 71.

However, Orla Prendergast maintained the momentum by scoring 37 runs off just 23 balls at No. 3 to break the opening stand. Ireland posted 167 for 4, their highest against Pakistan.

In response, Pakistan consistently lost wickets while Javeria Khan continued to bat from one end. She reached her half-century off 36 balls thanks to a flurry of fours off Laura Delany and Richardson, but Jane Maguire soon had her chopping one on, severely deflating Pakistan's chances of winning the game.

At that point, Pakistan required 86 off 53 balls and had six wickets in hand; however, despite Nida Dar's 24-ball 26-run struggle against the spinners, the task was impossible.

Along with Delany's three wickets, Kelly finished with three as well. Kelly seldom let the batters escape.

The ODI series of the tour was won by Pakistan, whitewashing Ireland 3-0.

NDTV
 
A commanding win over Pakistan in the final T20I in Lahore saw Ireland clinch a historic first T20I series victory over Pakistan, with a brilliant half-century from Gaby Lewis setting up the triumph.

Her opening partner Amy Hunter contributed 40 in a 110 run stand, falling just three runs short of an Irish record T20I partnership.

Ireland bowled Pakistan out for 133 after setting them 168, finishing their innings just four wickets down.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Amy Hunter and Lewis vindicated Laura Delany’s decision straight away, putting on a huge partnership of 110 for the first wicket.

Four boundaries off the first three overs signalled Ireland's intent right from the start, Lewis the main aggressor, bludgeoning a slog-sweep off Nida Dar over the rope for the first six of the match. She followed up with a four off the last ball of Dar’s over before smashing two more boundaries off the fourth.

Hunter took a back seat early in her innings to let Lewis occupy centre stage. After they smashed 56 runs from the powerplay, Lewis reached her fifty in style, reverse sweeping a full ball from Fatima Sana through third man for four, bringing up her ninth T20I half-century off 26 balls.

With the hundred up for Ireland in the 12th over, a big total looked on the cards. Hunter played a good supporting innings before she was bowled by Nashra Sandhu for a 35-ball 40, bringing Orla Prendergast to the crease with licence to swing. She attacked straight away, hitting a six off her second ball over long-on.

Lewis was well set, continuing to hit boundaries, and advancing past 70 before she was caught at mid-on by Aliya Riaz, unable to get enough height on the ball from Sana to clear the fielder. She finished her innings on 71 off 46 with 12 boundaries.

Despite the loss of Lewis and then of Eimear Richardson, Prendergast continued to push Ireland up towards 170. She crunched ten off the final over to set Pakistan 168 to win and send Ireland into the break full of confidence. Pakistan would have to pull off their highest-ever T20I chase to stop Ireland from claiming a historic win.

A tight start from the bowlers made it an even tougher task with Jane Maguire and Prendergast only conceding eight off the first two overs before Maguire made the breakthrough, dismissing Sidra Ameen in the third over.

Pakistan looked to take the chase deep, accumulating off the rest of the powerplay to take their total to 41. A big breakthrough for Ireland came in the seventh over, however, Arlene Kelly delivering a clever slower ball to outsmart Muneeba Ali.

With some nerves flying around for Ireland, the final two overs before the drinks break went for 25 as Pakistan continued to keep themselves in the run chase. Javeria Khan was the key, reaching fifty off 36 balls before Maguire took the crucial wicket to steady Irish hearts. Khan got an inside edge on a ball she was looking to cut, her stumps disturbed. The wicket brought the dangerous Dar to the crease, with Pakistan’s chase largely resting on her wicket.

A four and a six by Dar from Cara Murray showed the match was still very much in the balance with Pakistan needing another 80 runs from the last eight, a target possible with Bismah Maroof and Dar at the crease. But a run out from Richardson to dismiss Maroof opened the floodgates for Ireland, and a steady flow of wickets followed.

Two wickets in each of the last two overs from Kelly and Delany respectively, both finishing with three wickets apiece, sealed a comfortable win by 34 runs for Ireland and gave Ed Joyce’s side a historic series win. The first time Ireland women have won a series against Pakistan, their first series win overseas against a Test playing nation and the first for any Ireland side in Pakistan.


MATCH SUMMARY


Pakistan v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, 16 November 2022

Ireland 167-4 (20 overs; Gaby Lewis 71, Amy Hunter 40, Nida Dar 1-27)
Pakistan 133 (18.5 overs; Javeria Khan 50, Nida Dar 26, Arlene Kelly 3-19)
 
Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain has congratulated the Ireland women’s and the Bangladesh U19 teams on their successful tours of Lahore and Multan, respectively. These matches took place concurrently.

In Lahore, the Pakistan women won the ODI series 3-0 to secure second place in the ICC Women’s Championship table, before Ireland women came back strongly to win the T20I series 2-1. The Bangladesh U19 side held the Pakistan U19 team to a draw in the four-day match, before clinching a hard-fought 45-over-a-side three-match series 2-1. The two-match T20 series ended in a 1-all draw.

Faisal Hasnain: “We were delighted to host Ireland women for the first-time ever and the Bangladesh U19 team on their maiden tour since 2007. I hope they enjoyed our hospitality and our playing facilities, and also experienced our rich culture, history and passion for this great game. I am hoping to see a few Irish girls return to Pakistan in March 2023 for The Women’s League, and I also hope to see talented Bangladesh U19 players progress to the senior side in the near future.

“For our own girls and boys, it has been an invaluable playing experience, as they continue to learn and improve as part of their endeavors to improve their overall skills and performances. It is the PCB’s strategic objective to create playing opportunities for our talented and emerging cricketers, and provide them pathways to enable them to achieve their career objectives and goals as professional cricketers.

“The PCB has always enjoyed an excellent and cordial relationship with Cricket Ireland and Bangladesh Cricket Board, and we have collectively worked very closely towards encouraging and assisting in each other’s cricket promotion and development. I remain confident this relationship will continue to strengthen and we will see many more such tours in the future.

“The Ireland women and Bangladesh U19 tours have been part of an incredibly busy 2022, which started on 27 January with the HBL Pakistan Super League 7. To date, we have planned, organised and delivered 725 matches at home in 20 events, including 696 domestic matches and 29 international fixtures. These matches are in addition to the 37 international matches our men’s and women’s teams have played on their tours of Ireland, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

“As part of Pakistan’s diamond jubilee year and celebrations, we had planned 2022 as a mouth-watering bumper year of cricket and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver all these cricketing events for our fans, followers, cricketers and other stakeholders. This has been a major task and I am extremely thankful to the entire PCB staff for working flat-out to ensure a high quality and smooth delivery of these many number of domestic and international matches.

“We are now working round-the-clock to host England for December’s three-Test series, which will be their first Test matches in Pakistan in 17 years. And before the turn of the year, New Zealand would have played their first Test in Karachi in 20 years.

“I remain confident that through our professional and administrative abilities, and with the continued support of the local governments, security agencies and various other stakeholders, we will fulfil our commitments for the year to our fans and followers, and enhance Pakistan’s reputation and credibility as a sports loving people and a wonderful country that welcomes overseas sports teams and visitors with open arms, and delivers high quality events to world-class standards.

“Finally, I again reiterate my thanks to various sectors of the local governments and security agencies for their continued encouragement and support of our endeavors.”
 
A total of 13 matches will be played as the T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament commences in Lahore from 26 November.

In order to incentivise domestic performers, the best performer of every match will get PKR20,000 and the player of the tournament will bag PKR50,000. The winning team will receive PKR 1 million, while the runner-up will get PKR0.5million.

The tournament provides an opportunity to the players to get acclimatised to the T20 format, while it will help coaches and selection committee to select squads for the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s World Cup and ICC T20 Women’s World Cup – both events scheduled to take place in South Africa next year.

The tournament will be played in two phases. In the first phase, three teams namely Conquerors, Invincibles and Stars will take part from 26 November to 2 December. Conquerors consist of U19 players, while Invincibles and Stars consist of emerging players. Each side will feature in four matches in the first phase.

In the second phase, the performers of first phase will be provided an opportunity to feature in one of the four sides namely Blasters, Challengers, Dynamites and Strikers. Pakistan’s elite cricketers will feature in the second phase.

The second phase of the tournament will run from 5 December to 9 December, while the squads of the four sides will be named in due course.

The first phase will be played on double-league basis, while the second phase will run on single-league basis. All matches will be played in Lahore, which will start at 1000, while the toss will take place at 0930.

Conquerors squad:

Aroob Shah (Captain), Aliza Sabir, Anosha Nasir, Areesha Noor, Eyman Fatima, Haleema Azeem Dar, Haniah Ahmer, Laiba Nasir, Mahnoor Aftab, Quratulain Ahsen, Rida Aslam, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Warda Yousaf, Zaib-un-Nisa and Zamina Tahir

Team management – Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Aisha Jalil (manager)

Stars squad:

Huraina Sajjad (Captain), Aleena Shah, Amber Kainaat, Arim Barkat, Asma Amin, Ayesha Asim, Ayesha Bilal, Fajar Naveed, Hamna Bilal, Kainat Gul, Khadija Chisty, Kinza Wahab, Masooma Zehra, Momina Riasat and Zunera Shah

Team management – Hajra Sarwar (head coach), Rehmat Gull (assistant coach), Hina Azam (manager)

Invincibles squad:

Yusra Amir (Captain), Aima Saleem, Aleena Masood, Dua Majid, Fatima Zahra, Fatima Khan, Gull Rukh, Gull-e-Uswa, Madiha Gul, Maham Manzoor, Neha Sharmeen, Rabia Rafi, Saima Malik, Saira Jabeen and Wasfa Hussain

Team management – Wasim Yousafi (head coach), Shakir Qayyum (assistant coach), Asiya Khan (manager)
 
T20 Women's Cricket Tournament second phase to begin from 5 December

After the conclusion of the six-match first phase of T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament, the second phase will commence from Monday, 5 December at the two venues of Lahore – Lahore Gymkhana and LCCA Ground.

Four teams namely Blasters, Challengers, Dynamites and Strikers will feature in the event where Pakistan’s elite cricketers will take part. The second phase will be played on a single-league basis, where two matches will be played daily on 5, 6 and 7 December. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the tournament’s final between the top two sides on 9 December, which will be live-streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel. The matches will begin at 1000, while the toss will take place at 0930.

The tournament provides a great opportunity for players to kick-start their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa later next year and hone their skills in the format.

In order to incentivise domestic performers, the best performer of every match will continue to receive PKR20,000 as they were getting in the first phase of the tournament. The player of the tournament will bag PKR50,000. The winning team will receive PKR 1 million, while the runner-up will get PKR0.5million.

The first phase was a great platform for U19 players to perform and get a chance to be a part of the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup set to take place in January 2023 in South Africa.

In the first phase, three sides Conquerors, Invincibles and Stars took part in the competition, which was played on a double-league basis. Stars led by Huraina Sajjad won all their four matches in the first phase, while Conquerors won two matches and Invincibles remained winless.

In the batting charts, the 17-year-old Shawal Zulfiqar, representing Conquerors, topped the table with 161 runs from four outings, which included two half-centuries. Invincibles’ right-handed batter Gulrukh scored 133, while Stars’ skipper Huraina scored 101 from four matches.

In the bowling charts, Conquerors’ right-arm leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah bagged nine wickets from four matches, which included one five-fer. Aroob’s teammate, 17-year-0ld Anoosha Nasir with her left-arm spin had five scalps to her name.

Blasters squad:

Fatima Sana (Captain), Aima Saleem, Anam Amin, Ayesha Bilal, Ayesha Naseem, Bismah Maroof, Fareeha Mehmood, Gul Rukh, Huraina Sajjad, Maham Manzoor, Mahnoor Aftab, Masooma Zehra, Shawal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin and Amber Kainaat

Team management – Mauhtashim Rashid (head coach), Shahid Mehmood (assistant coach), Mahlika Mansoor (manager)

Challengers squad:

Omaima Sohail (Captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, Dua Majid, Ghulam Fatima, Hamna Bilal, Javeria Wadood, Khadija Chishti, Lubna Behram, Najiha Alvi, Noreen Yaqoob, Rameen Shamim and Rida Aslam

Team management – Azam Khan (head coach), Nazim Khan (assistant coach), Asiya Khan (manager)

Dynamites squad:

Umm-e-Hani (Captain), Aleena Shah, Gull-e-Uswa, Gull Feroza, Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Nida Dar, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Saima Malik, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar and Yusra Amir

Team management – Taufiq Umar (head coach), Jawad Hamid (assistant coach), Hina Azam (manager)

Strikers squad:

Muneeba Ali (Captain), Aroob Shah, Ayesha Irfan, Eymaan Fatima, Fatima Khan, Iram Javed, Javeria Rauf, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Neha Sharmeen, Saba Nazir, Soha Fatima and Zunera Shah

Team management – Waqar Orakzai (head coach), Rehmat Gull (assistant coach), Aisha Jalil (manager)
 
Pakistan international and Sindh’s Aroob Shah will lead Pakistan in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup which will be played from 14 to 29 January 2023 in South Africa.

Women’s selector Asmavia Iqbal announced a 15-player squad and five reserves players. These players were selected after their performances in this year’s Women U19 T20 Tournament held at Lahore Country Club in Muridke from 13 to 22 August.

Later, the top performers of the six-team tournament had undergone two skills and training camps staged at the Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre, Multan in September and at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi in November.

To further assess their fitness and skills, the U19 players had also featured in the first phase of T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament held at Lahore’s LCCA Ground from 26 November to 2 December. The players were part of Team Conquerors, one of the three participating teams in the event.

Aroob Shah, who has featured for Pakistan in two ODIs and five T20Is, will have the services of hard hitting right-handed batters Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.

Besides the duo, Aroob who herself is a leg-spinner, will have promising spinners in the likes of Rida Aslam (left-arm spinner), Quratulain Ahsen (leg-spinner), Anosha Nasir (off-spinner) and Mahnoor Aftab (off-spinner). The squad also includes four fast bowlers in Areesha Noor, Haleema Azeem Dar, Haniah Ahmer and Zaib-un-Nisa.

As per the ICC’s eligibility criteria for the event, players born on or after 1 September 2003 have been selected.

Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal: “I want to congratulate the 15 players who have made into the squad for the inaugural U19 event. I remain confident that this side has the capability and potential to do well in the mega event. These players were selected after a rigorous and robust process and I want to congratulate the coaches who have worked tirelessly hard on the skills of the players to get them ready for the event.

“The tournament will also help us to increase our pool of players which will ultimately help in forming a strong and more competitive squad at the senior level.”

Squad (in alphabetical order):

Aroob Shah (Captain) (Sindh), Aliza Khan (Sindh), Anosha Nasir (Sindh), Areesha Noor (Central Punjab), Eyman Fatima (Central Punjab), Haleema Azeem Dar (Central Punjab), Haniah Ahmer (Sindh), Laiba Nasir (Central Punjab), Mahnoor Aftab (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Quratulain Ahsen (Central Punjab), Rida Aslam (Central Punjab), Shawaal Zulfiqar (Central Punjab), Warda Yousaf (Central Punjab), Zaib-un-Nisa (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Zamina Tahir (Central Punjab)

Reserves: Aqsa Yousaf (Southern Punjab), Dina Razvi (Sindh), Maham Anees (Northern), Muskan Abid (Central Punjab) and Tahzeeb Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Support staff: Aisha Jalil (Manager), Mohsin Kamal (Head coach), Muhammad Kamran Hussain (Assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (Strength and Conditioning coach), Muhammad Usman Shahid (Analyst), Rabia Siddiq (Physiotherapist) and Dr Hafiz Salman Asif (Team Doctor).

Schedule of Pakistan’s matches at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup South Africa 2023:

15 January – vs Rwanda, Potchefstroom
17 January – vs England, Potchefstroom
19 January – vs Zimbabwe, Potchefstroom
 
Pakistan national women team’s chief selector Asmavia Iqbal today announced a 15-player squad for next month’s bilateral white-ball series against Australia and for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa from 10 February to 26 February.

Bismah Maroof will continue to lead the Pakistan Women’s team in both assignments. The squads were finalised after deliberations by Asmavia, interim head coach Saleem Jaffer and captain Bismah.

Right-arm fast bowler Diana Baig makes a comeback after missing out in the home series against Ireland in October/November due to a shoulder injury. Spinners Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan are also back in the squads after being ruled out of the Ireland series due to hand and index finger injuries, respectively. Left-arm spinner Sadia is part of the ODI and T20I squads, while leg-spinner Tuba is part of the T20I squad.

Two players – Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan – will make their maiden appearance for Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan ODI squad for Australia series:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wk)

Traveling Reserves: Aimen Anwar, Javeria Khan and Tuba Hassan

Pakistan T20I squad for Australia and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, South Africa:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hassan

Reserves: Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz and Sadaf Shamas

Chief selector Asmavia Iqbal: “I wish luck to the players who have been selected for both Australia series and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. I am hopeful the side will continue to perform in the same manner they have performed recently in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup and Ireland series.

“The ODI series against Australia is very crucial, the expectations are high as we have won five of the six ICC Championship matches and our aim is to qualify directly for the 50-over World Cup.

“We have relied more on the senior players in the formation of the squad for the World Cup and we expect them to use their experience on the field and get positive results for the team.

“The return of Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan will give a boost to the side and will strengthen our bowling attack which has the capability to do well. Sidra Nawaz has been added as our second wicket-keeper in the squad to give Muneeba Ali some space to express herself more with the bat, and gives an added option to the captain to utilise the services of a second wicket-keeper on the long tour.”

In the tour Down Under, Pakistan women’s side will feature in three ODIs – part of the ICC Women’s Cricket Championship 2022-25 – and three T20Is. Pakistan will fly out for Brisbane via Dubai from Karachi on 6 January. The three ODIs will be played on 16, 18 and 21 January, while the three T20Is will be held on 24, 26 and 29 January. The team will then travel to South Africa from Melbourne to feature in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

In the marquee event, Pakistan are placed in Group 2 alongside England, India, Ireland and West Indies. Pakistan will play their opening match against arch-rivals India on 12 February at Newlands, Cape Town. They will go against Ireland at the same venue on 15 February. Their third encounter in the group will be against West Indies on 19 February at Boland Park, Paarl, while they will feature against England in their fourth match of the group stage on 21 February at the Newlands, Cape Town.

Pakistan women’s side will undergo training camp which will be held in two phases. The first phase will be staged in Lahore from 25 December to 28 December. On 29 December, the side will travel to Karachi, where they will have the second phase of the camp before departing for Australia on 6 January.

The media advisory of the camp will be shared in due course.

Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach and interim head coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital content manager) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

Australia series Itinerary

16 January – First ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
18 January – Second ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
21 January – Third ODI at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney
24 January – First T20I at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney
26 January – Second T20I at Blundstone Arena, Hobart
29 January – Third T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Pakistan fixtures

12 February v India at Newlands, Cape Town
15 February v Ireland at Newlands, Cape Town
19 February v West Indies at Boland Park, Paarl
21 February v England at Newlands, Cape Town
 
FlX-TmhWYAMU_yX
 
Scores in brief:

Governor General's XI beat Pakistan by 53 runs at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Governor General's XI 235 all out, 49.3 overs (Erin Burns 74, Charli Knott 66; Nida Dar 4-46, Fatima Sana 3-27, Diana Baig 2-26)

Pakistan 182 all out, 44.4 overs (Bismah Maroof 74, Sidra Amin 34; Amanda Wellington 4-33, Nicola Hancock 2-20)
 
Brisbane, 14 January 2023: Pakistan women’s ODI and T20I squads brace up for a challenge against a formidable Australia unit in their backyard in the white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is. The three ODIs slated to begin on 16 January are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.

The first two ODIs will be played at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on 16 and 18 January, where Pakistan are currently practicing over the past four days. For the final match of the series, the two teams will travel to Sydney to play on 21 January.

Pakistan enter the ODI series in good form, having acquired five wins from their six outings in the ICC Women’s Championship. They clinched a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka in Karachi in June last year and later achieved a 3-0 sweep over Ireland in Lahore in November.

One of the star performers for Pakistan in both series was opening batter Sidra Amin. The right-handed batter is placed at the top of the batting charts in the ICC Women’s Championship with a whopping tally of 495 runs in six games, 155 runs clear of second-placed Harmanpreet Kaur who has 340 runs to her name. Sidra’s runs have come at an average of 123.75, and an impressive strike-rate of 88.55, demonstrating her attacking strokeplay.

She has scored 653 runs in her last 10 innings with three hundreds and two half-centuries. The hallmark of Sidra’s batting dominance was her unbeaten 176 against Ireland in the ODI series opener in her hometown Lahore, recording the fifth-highest individual score in Women’s ODIs.

All geared up to continue the momentum in 2023 and take up the challenge of scoring runs in the foreign conditions of Australia, the 30-year-old told PCB Digital: “I am here in Australia for the first time, the conditions here are different to Pakistan as the ball rises a bit and I am trying to acclimatise as quickly as possible.

“We had our preparation camps in Lahore and Karachi where we played some practice games before coming to Australia.”

When asked to reflect on her supreme run last year, Sidra deemed the past 12 months as special. She claimed the string of quality knocks against different oppositions would give her a lot of confidence heading into the forthcoming series and she will be able to make the most of it.

On her role in the team and how important it is for an opener to give a good start from the front, Sidra said, “As an opener it is a challenging job to face two new balls in ODI cricket, you have to see off the new ball and at the same time score runs and give a good start to the innings. Muneeba and I will look to give a good start to the innings so the batters coming after us should have the momentum to take it forward.

“When you perform individually it helps your team, I will try to score runs which will ultimately benefit my team. The message from coach and captain is very simple, go out and play positive cricket, score runs for the team and help the team do well.”

The Lahore-born batter also opened up about the importance of facing a top-tier side like Australia, in terms of the advanced level of cricket on display and a shot at earning their first-ever win against the hosts. “Everyone knows that Australia is a great side, playing against them is a good omen. It will help us to learn a lot,” said Sidra.

Pakistan ODI squad for Australia series:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hassan.

Traveling Reserves: Aimen Anwar and Javeria Khan

Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach and interim head coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital content manager) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

Australia series Itinerary

16 January – First ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane

18 January – Second ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane

21 January – Third ODI at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney

24 January – First T20I at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney

26 January – Second T20I at Blundstone Arena, Hobart

29 January – Third T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra
 
Brisbane, 15 January 2023: Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan women’s side will take on Australia in the first of the three ICC Women’s Championship ODIs at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane on Monday. The second ODI scheduled on Wednesday, 18 January is also at the same venue, while the third ODI will be played at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney on Saturday, 21 January.

The ODI series will be followed by three T20Is to be played from 24 to 29 January in Sydney, Hobart and Canberra. Before coming to Australia, the women’s team held their practice camps in Lahore and Karachi where they also featured in various intra-squad matches.

Since arriving in Brisbane last week, the Pakistan team have conducted extensive practice sessions which include a 50-over match against the Governor General’s XI at the Allan Border Field on Friday. Even though the tourists lost the game, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana and Nida Dar showed their skills in the bowling department, while Bismah Maroof scored a half-century, showcasing her batting form ahead of the ODI series.

Australia hold the top position in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings, while Pakistan are positioned on the ninth spot. In the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, Pakistan after winning five of their six outings are second in the table behind India, whereas Australia will play their first Championship match on Monday against Pakistan.

Pakistan will be eyeing to carry forward the momentum after they clinched a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka in Karachi in June last year and later achieved a 3-0 sweep over Ireland in Lahore in November.

While talking to PCB Digital on the eve of the series, captain Bismah Maroof said: “We had good practice sessions here at the venue. The pitches here have different bounce as compared to Pakistan and it took us time to adjust to the bounce.

“We are fortunate enough to get a practice game at the same venue where our opening two matches of the series will be hosted. This will help be familiar with the conditions. The fast bowlers bowled well in the practice match, and they will have a key role to play in these conditions. The spinners on the other hand will need to adjust their line and length as required here.

“The batters need to get set on the wicket, and once they are set, it will be easy for them to score runs. We have prepared ourselves well and will try to execute our plans to give better results in the series.

“We have done really well in the ICC Women’s Championship matches so far, the upcoming series against Australia is also very important. We will try to stick to our plans in the series.”

The toss will take place tomorrow at 0435 (Pakistan Standard Time), while the first ball will be bowled at 0505 (Pakistan Standard Time).
 
Australia women recorded an eight-wicket win over Pakistan women in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Monday.

This was Pakistan women second defeat in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 after they have won five of the six matches played last year in the Championship.

Set a 158-run revised target on DLS after rain reduced the match to 40 overs, the home side achieved the target for the loss of two wickets in the 29th over courtesy half-centuries by debutant Phoebe Litchfield (78 not out, 92b, 9x4, 1x6) and captain Meg Lanning (67, 76b, 9x4).

Diana Baig, who was making her comeback after missing out in the Ireland series in November last year due to shoulder injury took the first wicket in the first over of the run-chase dismissing Beth Mooney for one. Lanning, who was too making a comeback in the side after taking break from international cricket was let go off by Muneeba Ali at point position off Fatima Sana’s bowling when the right-hander was batting on six. She eventually got out caught behind of Omaima Sohail’s bowling in the 28th over.

Earlier, after being put into bat in an overcast condition, Pakistan lost their opening batter Muneeba for naught in the second over of the innings with three runs on the board. Captain Bismah Maroof joined Sidra Amin, but Sidra (four off 10 balls) was next to return back to the hut with 19 runs on the board.

Pakistan were 24 for two in 6.5 overs when rain interrupted the play and when it resumed at 1225 local time, the match was reduced to 40 overs a side. Omaima Sohail was the third Pakistan’s batter to return to the pavilion with scorecard reading 38 runs.

Bismah was joined by Nida Dar and both experienced batters added 46 runs for the fourth wicket. The left-handed Bismah was caught behind for a 47-ball 28, hitting one four.

That the tourists managed to score 160 for eight was largely due to half-century from Nida. Nida brought up her 11th ODI half-century off 81 balls. She top-scored with 59 off 88 balls, hitting five fours and one six. Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz coming to bat at number nine returned undefeated on 14 off 17 balls, smashing two fours.

For Australia, Darcie Brown and Jessica Jonassen bagged two wickets apiece.

Both sides will feature in the second ODI at the same venue on Wednesday. The toss will take place at 0435 (Pakistan Standard Time) and the first ball will be bowled at 0505 (Pakistan Standard Time).

Scores in brief:

Australia women beat Pakistan women by eight wickets (DLS method)

Pakistan Women 160-8, 40 overs (Nida Dar 59, Bismah Maroof 28, Sidra Nawaz 14 not out; Darcie Brown 2-21, Jessica Jonassen 2-23)

Australia Women 158-2, 28.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 78 not out, Meg Lanning 67)

Player of the match - Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)
 
"Let's just see if there's a market out there. And so we put an advertisement out and within 24 hours, we got 250 registrations."

Women's cricket is on the rise in Pakistan. In large part, due to the work of Hadeel Obaid, founder of Khelo Kricket.

"I wish I could capture that feeling and bottle it," she says of the moment she walked into the ground for the first women's tournament, played dusk till dawn, that she hosted back in 2016.

"Seeing girls' fathers, brothers and mums who had driven their daughters to the ground and were emotional [seeing them play].

"Mothers were literally crying to me and saying 'thank you for giving our girls the opportunity'.

"They've always had the talent, we've always wanted to do it but we've never been able to give girls a shot."

Opportunities for female athletes are increasing against the backdrop of a socially conservative nation.

Depending on location and privilege, women are either finding more opportunities to play, or are prevented from doing so due to it being seen to compromise their modesty.

A glance at the make-up of the national men's and women's cricket teams provides a snapshot of this.

Whereas a lot of the men's team hail from socially and economically conservative backgrounds, the women's team tend to come from wealthier families, who are much likelier to be liberal enough to not object to women playing sport.

Obaid, whose own family runs a successful textiles business, started Khelo Kricket in 2015 - first as a website aiming to cover and promote men's grassroots cricket in Pakistan.

Then she branched out, and Khelo hosted their own tournaments. Again, only for men.

"We weren't even aware there was a market [for women]," she explains.

However, that would change in the lead-up to the holy month of Ramadan in 2016.

Dusk-til-dawn cricket during Ramadan is a cultural staple in Pakistan. In Karachi in particular, every ground and street is booked out to allow for competitions to run through the night once fast is broken.

The kicker being, they are - or were - only for men.

"We were not sure if women would be allowed to play cricket at night," Obaid explains.

"The idea that girls are playing cricket from dusk till dawn is not something that you think of when you think of Pakistani women. Or any women playing cricket anywhere in the world."

Nevertheless Obaid threw the idea out there and was rewarded with immediate demand.

"Oh my god," she recalls with a laugh of the applications flooding in, "we've not provisioned for such a big tournament."

Girl bats during cricket match
Pakistan are ninth in the ICC one-day international rankings, below Bangladesh and Thailand
With operations in full flow, Obaid had to limit the competition to four teams as they only had the ground for one night. She also had to deal with the criticism that came her way.

"I received a lot of backlash for my first two events," she explains. "I did them in Ramadan, it was 'blasphemy', 'how can girls play at night'? I don't care about those things.

"You don't want your daughters to play? Fine. But don't tell me that other girls don't want to play, because we're seeing the numbers grow."

Ramadan provided the opportunity for the tournaments to start, but demand would mean it soon grew further.

The initial tournament was held solely in Karachi in 2016, but from 2023 onwards Khelo Kricket has five scheduled tournaments a year featuring 10-12 teams across the country.

Matches are a maximum of 20 overs a side with some being tape ball - the most accessible version of the game where a tennis ball is wrapped in electric tape - and some hard ball. They are all, however, cricket.

"Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi are probably going to be the ones we're going to do," Obaid says.

"We also want to do one in Abbottabad or somewhere up north, because there's a lot of girls out there who are playing cricket, who keep messaging us and saying 'just one tournament, please, just give us that opportunity to play'."

'Giving girls a safe space to play cricket is amazing'
Local women's academies, who are helping to grow the game, make up many of the teams and with prize money on offer through sponsors of the competitions, the money won goes back into the academies in a self-styled funding ecosystem.

Already, the tournament has acted a pathway, with 21-year-old Pakistan fast bowler Fatima Sana, who debuted for her country in 2019, winning player of the tournament in the very first competition that was held.

"The first time she played," Obaid recalls, "I remember looking at her and thinking, this girl is incredible."

And she was right. In 2022, Sana was named the ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year.

"I met her when she was 12, so I've actually seen her over the years and to see how she got into the PCB system and where she's got to now is amazing.

"The fact we're able to give girls a platform, a safe space to play cricket, that's something that I will always think is amazing.

"And the fact that I've given them that fearless ability to play cricket at night, once a year, and have that fun, which was only reserved for boys, I think I'm proudest of that."

BBC
 
England wore down a determined Pakistan by beating them by 53 runs to maintain their place at the top of the Group B standings at the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup, ensuring their passage into the Super Six League stage.

While they didn’t have it all their way while batting first in the encounter at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, England's batting depth still made Pakistan pay for leaking runs towards the end of their innings and set them the more than competitive total of 157 to win.

Pakistan, led by a 36-ball 34 (five fours) by their unrelenting captain, Syeda Shah – aptly nicknamed Aerobics – were determined in their response but simply did not string enough partnerships to make an impression on the target.

Also, England’s bowling attack – thanks in no small part to Sophia Smale’s 2/10 and Hannah Baker’s 1/13 – was disciplined and never gave them a single over big enough to give them belief.

Having ridden roughshod over an outclassed Zimbabwe in winning their tournament opener by 174 runs, the English side sporting four changes was keen to impose itself after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

Pakistan were not overawed however, as the opening exchanges in their innings had the feeling of a boxing match that plays out in a clinch. England were brimming with the intent to cut loose while Pakistan contained them by taking vital wickets just when it seemed like they would.

The chief architects of this containment job were left-arm spinner Anosha Nasir and right-arm medium Zaibunnisa, who took four of the seven wickets that fell through figures of 2/20 and 2/24, respectively.

At times, the two were helped by some inspired fielding, mostly from Shah, whose catch to remove Liberty Heap off Noor Bhatti’s bowling is contender for catch of the tournament.

Having failed to take a catch off Heap’s opening partner Grace Scrivens the ball before, Shah back-pedaled at mid-off and stuck out a mitt as she fell backwards, with the ball landing in her outstretched hand.

But, England were nothing if not persistent, with one of the changes – player of the match Seren Smale – top-scoring with a 33-ball 37 (six fours), Ryana McDonald-Gay going unbeaten on 35 (three fours, one six) and Scrivens chipping in with 24 (four boundaries) to ensure a total of 156/7.


Scores in brief:

Toss: England, who elected to bat.

England 156 for 7 in 20 overs (Seren Smale 37, Ryana McDonald-Gay 35 not out, Anosha Nasir two for 20, Zaibunnisa two for 24)

Pakistan 103 for 5 in 20 overs (Syeda Aroob Shah 34, Shawaal Zulfiqar 25, Sophia Smale two for 10, Hannah Baker one for 13)

England won by 53 runs after 20 overs.
 
A comprehensive, 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe assured Pakistan of a second-place finish in Group B and qualification to the Super Six League stage of the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom.

The victory, which came courtesy of an unbroken opening partnership of 100 between Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, while chasing a modest target of 98, meant Pakistan finished behind England with Rwanda’s historic win over Zimbabwe also guaranteeing them passage to the Super Sixes.

Fatima was in aggressive mood with a 35-ball 62 not out, which featured 10 fours and the two sixes in Pakistan’s innings, while Zulfiqar – who hit the winning runs with a four off Zimbabwe captain Kelis Ndhlovu in the 11th over – was more sedate with a watchful and unbeaten 32 (30 balls, six fours) as they cruised to victory.

Faced with a must-win match if they were to take third place from Rwanda in the group standings and advance into the Super Six stage of the tournament, Ndhlovu did her level best to vindicate her decision to bat with a fighting 42 off 35 balls (seven boundaries).

The catch was that with the exception of Adel Zimunu (13), Kay Ndiraya (11) and Natasha Mtomba (10), none of her teammates got into double figures, and Ndiraya and Zimunu’s run-outs did not help the cause.

So, when Ndhlovu popped a return catch to medium pacer Laiba Nasir to be the fourth wicket to fall with the score on 86, Zimbabwe’s chances of getting a competitive total disappeared with her dismissal.

While they did not bowl Zimbabwe out, Pakistan were content to keep things tidy on the bowling front, with reliable left-arm spinner Anosha Nasir again spear-heading the attack with figures of 2/21 to give her batters a comfortable chase.

Their chase was so leisurely that they had time to be watchful in the first two overs, but still overhauled the target by the 11th over.


Scores in brief:

Toss: Zimbabwe, elected to bat.

Zimbabwe 97 for 6 in 20 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 42, Adel Zimunu 13, Anosha Nasir two for 21, Laiba Nasir one for 11)

Pakistan 100 without loss in 10.5 overs (Eyman Fatima 62 not out, Shawaal Zulfiqar 32 not out)

Pakistan won by 10 wickets with 9.1 overs to spare.
 
Australia have whitewashed Pakistan after winning the third and final ODI of the series in Sydney on Saturday by 101 runs.

Chasing a massive target of 337 runs, Pakistan were restricted to 235-7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Beth Mooney, who scored 133 runs in the third ODI, was named both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

==

3rd ODI - Australia Women v Pakistan Women

Australia won by 101 runs.

Australia: 336-9 (50 ov)
Pakistan: 235-7 (50 ov)
 
Right-arm fast bowler Diana Baig has been ruled out of Australia T20Is and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 due to fracture in her index finger of the right hand. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who is part of the reserves for Australia T20I series and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will replace Diana.

Diana suffered injury in the third ODI against Australia today when she tried to take return catch on the penultimate ball of the seventh over of Australia’s innings. Diana was taken to the local hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture.

Diana has been advised four weeks’ rest by the PCB Medical panel.
 
Australia women beat Pakistan women by 101 runs in the third ODI at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney to win the three-match ODI series 3-0.

After opting to ball first, Australia team scored 336 for nine in their 50 overs courtesy century from wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney. Mooney top-scored for her side with 133 off 105 balls, hitting 14 fours and four sixes. Skipper Meg Lanning scored her second half-century in the series with 72 off 70 balls, smashing eight fours and one six.

For the tourists, Fatima Sana was the most successful bowler with three 53, while Nida Dar and Diana Baig bagged two wickets each.

In return, Pakistan team showed much improved performance with the bat as they managed to play their full 50 overs and scored 235 for seven – their joint highest total against Australia.

Pakistan openers provided a solid 61-run start to the innings with Sadaf Shamas playing her first match in the series scored 30 off 50 balls, laced with six fours. Her partner and experienced Sidra Amin scored 34 from 66 balls, hitting three boundaries.

For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner picked three for 30, while Jess Johanssen took two wickets for 25 runs.

Earlier in the day, Tuba Hassan made her ODI debut. She became the 88th player to play for Pakistan in this format.

Pakistan and Australia will now feature in the T20I series. The three-match series will begin from Tuesday, 24 January. The match will be played at the North Sydney Oval.

Scores in brief

Australia women beat Pakistan women by 101 runs

Australia Women 336-9, 50 overs (Beth Mooney 133, Meg Lanning 72, Tahlia McGrath 30; Fatima Sana 3-53, Nida Dar 2-50, Diana Baig 2-56)

Pakistan Women 235-7, 50 overs (Bismah Maroof 44, Sidra Amin 34, Sadaf Shamas 30; Ashleigh Gardner 3-30, Jess Johanssen 2-25)

Player of the match – Beth Mooney

Player of the series – Beth Mooney
 
This was expected.
We nee to support our women cricketer and back them so that they can perform. They have a lot of work to do, its true. But don't forget that most people are not supportive of women cricketers, even international players like Razzaq and Afridi have made mysoginystic backward comments in recent years.
 
Loralai said:
This was expected.
We nee to support our women cricketer and back them so that they can perform. They have a lot of work to do, its true. But don't forget that most people are not supportive of women cricketers, even international players like Razzaq and Afridi have made mysoginystic backward comments in recent years.
Click to expand...

Winning against Aus was bearly a possibility for them but they are getting better over time. Hopefully, they will become competitive in a couple of years.
 
Pakistan earn crucial win in women’s U19 T20 World Cup

Potchefstroom, 23 January 2023:

Pakistan continued their impressive run in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup when they defeated Ireland by seven wickets in a crucial Super Six Stage Group-2 match here on Monday.

Set a victory target of 114, Pakistan raced to victory for the loss of three wickets with 15 balls to spare. After defeating Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the preliminary round matches, this was Pakistan’s first win in the Super Six stage and they will now play their second match against New Zealand on Tuesday. If Pakistan beat New Zealand, they will significantly enhance their chances of progressing to the semifinals.

In-form Eyman Fatima scored a 17-ball 25 with four fours and a six and Shawaal Zulfiqar contributed 18 from 20 balls with three fours. However, both fell on successive balls as Pakistan slipped to 44 for two in 6.1 overs.

At that stage, captain Syeda Aroob Shah rose to the occasion and spearheaded Pakistan’s run-chase. She was the third batter out at the score of 100 in the 15th over when 14 runs were required in just over four overs. Aroob scored 35 from 25 balls with four fours.

Warda Yousaf struck the winning boundary and returned unbeaten on 24, while Laiba Nasir was seven not out.

Earlier, Anoosha Nasir took two for 17 and Rida Aslam bagged two for 26 as Ireland scored 113 for seven in their 20 overs. Ireland’s score revolved around Annabel Squires, who scored 55 not out from 52 balls with five fours.

Scores in brief:

Ireland U19 Women 113-7, 20 overs (Annabel Squires 55 not out; Anoosha Nasir 2-17, Rida Aslam 2-26)

Pakistan U19 Women 117-3, 17.3 overs (Syeda Aroob Shah 35, Eyman Fatima 25, Warda Yousaf 24 not out, Shawaal Zulfiqar 18)

Player of the match – Anoosha Nasir (Pakistan)
 
Pakistan Women’s U19 team bowed out of ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup with a defeat to New Zealand in a Super Six stage Group-2 clash here on Tuesday.

Set a daunting target of 179, Pakistan finished with 75-7 in their 20 overs – 103 runs short of New Zealand’s first-innings total. The colossal win for New Zealand confirmed their spot in the semi-finals as they continued their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Pakistan’s chase was beset by a top-order collapse that left them reeling at 17-4 by the end of the Powerplay. Openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and in-form Eyman Fatima were both dismissed for ducks while Warda Yousaf lost her wicket from a miscommunication with her skipper Syeda Aroob Shah resulting in a run out. Aroob was the fourth batter to fall when a leading edge induced by Natasha Codyre was pouched by the fielder at mid-off.

Laiba Nasir was soon run out with half the side out for 19 before Areesha Noor and Aliza Khan stitched a partnership of 32 runs for the sixth wicket.

Pakistan managed to score a total of only four boundaries over the course of their innings with top-scorer Areesha (24) striking two fours while Aroob and Anoosha Nasir smacked a boundary apiece.

In the bowling front, Anoosha claimed three wickets for 32 runs, extending her tally of wickets in the tournament to ten in five games – leading the charts at the moment. She broke the brisk opening stand between Emma McLeod (32) and Anna Browning (31), who added 47 runs in 29 balls and later snaffled the wickets of Georgia Plimmer (53) and Paige Loggenberg (0) in the final over of the innings.

Skipper Aroob also bowled a sharp spell, giving away just 22 runs in her four overs and outfoxing Tash Wakelin (8) with a googly that rattled the stumps.

In contrast to Pakistan’s inability to hit boundaries later in the game, New Zealand’s aggressive strokeplay yielded a total of 19 fours and two sixes as they raced to 178-7. Plimmer was the standout batter for her side as she continued the rapid start from the openers by scoring a 38-ball 53 studded with five fours.

New Zealand and England are the two teams in the Super Six Group-2 advancing into the semi-finals while the remaining two spots from Group-1 will be decided tomorrow.

Pakistan’s campaign in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup saw them put up good performances to clinch wins against Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Ireland, whereas they faced defeats against England and New Zealand.

Scores in Brief:

New Zealand Women’s U19 178-7, 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 53, Emma McLeod 32, Anna Browning 31; Anoosha Nasir 3-32, Mahnoor Aftab 2-46)

Pakistan Women’s U19 75-7, 20 overs (Areesha Noor 24; Natasha Codyre 2-14)

Player of the match – Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand)
 
Australia Women beat Pakistan Women by eight wickets

Pakistan 96-7, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 33, Bismah Maroof 29; Alana King 2-10)

Australia 100-2, 12.4 overs (Beth Mooney 46, Meg Lanning 31; Nida Dar 2-27)

Player of the match – Beth Mooney (Australia)
 
Australia women beat Pakistan women by eight wickets in the second T20I at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 96 for seven in 20 0vers. Opening batter Muneeba Ali top-scored for her side with a 43-ball 33, hitting four fours. Bismah Maroof was other notable run-getter for the tourists, as the captain returned undefeated on 29 off 28 balls, smashing two fours.

For Australia, leg-spinner Alana King bagged two wickets for 10 from two overs.

In return, the hosts achieved the target in the 13 over with eight wickets in hand. Wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney top-scored for her side with 46 off 29 balls, laced with six fours and one six. Meg Lanning scored 31. Both batters fell to off-spinner Nida Dar as she ended up with match figures of two for 27 from four overs.

Pakistan and Australia will now feature in the third and final T20I of the series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on 29 January.

Scores in brief:

Australia Women beat Pakistan Women by eight wickets

Pakistan 96-7, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 33, Bismah Maroof 29 not out; Alana King 2-10)

Australia 100-2, 12.4 overs (Beth Mooney 46, Meg Lanning 31; Nida Dar 2-27)

Player of the match – Beth Mooney (Australia)
 
Aussie women are like their men's team from 1998-2007. They will beat every other team in 10 out of 10 games.
 
Pakistan’s next generation of talent is coming through strong, if their performances at the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2023 are anything to go by.

Wins – 3

Losses – 2

Finishing position – Third in Super Six Group 2

The Pakistan squad would have hoped to have reached the semi-finals of the tournament, and they had the talent to do just that, so depart South Africa with some regrets that they were unable to overcome one of England and New Zealand.

They struggled to contain the power of those two teams, but were certainly not the only side to have such difficulty.

And in their three victories, Pakistan showed huge quality and massive potential for future success at senior level.

Three dominant run-chases set up the three wins in the middle of their campaign, with the top-order batters looking outstanding at times, particularly opener Eyman Fatima.

And no bowler took as many wickets in the group stage of the tournament as Pakistan’s 17-year-old spin sensation Anosha Nasir (10).

Sonali Dhulap was part of the ICC’s team on the ground in South Africa, and had this to say about her experiences working with and alongside the squad:

“The first word that comes to my mind when I think about the Pakistan girls is ‘friendly’. Pleasant and generally soft-spoken, they always had a smile to share when I passed by them. But they were a different beast altogether when they stepped on the field – focused, hyper-competitive and determined.

“It might not have worked for them the way they wanted it to in the biggest games, but they were a better team than they showed, led by a charismatic captain.

“The friendship and closeness between all of them was obvious to see. I remember them sitting around in a circle and playing games with their mentor Sana Mir, and were more than happy to belt into their favourite song ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’. They carried themselves gracefully throughout the tournament, all the while remaining eager to learn and with a desire to compete. And that in itself was heartening to watch.”

STAR PERFORMER – Eyman Fatima

The opener wasn’t just Pakistan’s best batter, she was one of the standout batters across the board at the tournament.

Her 157 runs came at an average of 52.33 and she showed a terrific array of shots, getting her team off to fast and dominating starts on a number of occasions.


NOTABLE MENTION – Anosha Nasir

The left-arm spinner was superb with the ball, taking ten wickets in the tournament.

Diminutive and bespectacled, Nasir proved she was not a bowler to be taken lightly, showing excellent control against the best batters that Pakistan faced.

Nobody in the tournament had taken more wickets than Nasir come the end of the Super Six stage.


WHAT THE MENTOR SAID

Former Pakistan captain and current ICC Mentor Sana Mir worked closely with the Pakistan squad during the tournament.

“The Mentorship Programme provides a unique opportunity to the next generation of cricketers to have their role models by their side to support, guide, assist to get the best out of them,” she said.

“It gives me immense pleasure to be a mentor to Pakistan and I’m enjoying watching the players bloom before our very eyes.”


RESULTS

Rwanda – Won by 8 wickets

An outstanding and unbeaten 65* from 60 balls from opener Eyman Fatima set up a successful run-chase against Rwanda in Pakistan’s opening game.

The bowling unit had done a decent collective job to restrict the African side to 106/8 from their 20 overs, and with Fatima in such fine form the chase was relatively straightforward.

The win came with 13 balls remaining and with eight wickets in hand.


England – Lost by 53 runs

Some brutal hitting at the death saw Pakistan let England pull to a sizeable 156/7 after the bowlers had done a decent job bringing the innings under control after a fast start.

Anosha Nasir and Zaibunnisa were the pick of the bowlers with 2/20 and 2/24 respectively.

But England’s all-round quality proved too much for Pakistan on the day, as they struggled to get any momentum with the chase and ended up settling for some time in the middle as any realistic chance of reaching the target slipped away, finishing on 103/5.


Zimbabwe – Won by 10 wickets

A stunning return to winning ways saw Pakistan demolish Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom.

The bowlers did a superb job in limiting their opponents to 97/6, with Anosha Nasir again starring with 2/21.

And the quality of the openers was clear for all to see in the reply, with Shawaal Zulfiqar (32* from 30) and Eyman Fatima (62* from 35) reaching 100 without loss off just 10.5 overs.


Ireland – Won by 7 wickets

Match Report and Daily Wrap
The top order was in ruthless form again to lead Pakistan to a successful run-chase against Ireland, reaching a winning total of 117/3 with 15 balls still remaining. Each of the top four contributed.

Only a defiant knock from Annabel Squires had prevented Ireland from being blown away with the ball, with Anosha Nasir and Areesha Noor Bhatti the most impressive bowlers.


New Zealand – Lost by 103 runs

The need for fast early runs proved to be Pakistan’s undoing, as they went too big in search of a winning target of 179 against a quality New Zealand attack.

Both openers departed without scoring inside the first two overs, and not a single one of Pakistan’s top five reached double figures as they took too many risks.

There was a recovery lower down the order to save some respectability and ensure that they saw out the full allocation of overs, with Areesha Noor Bhatti top-scoring with a defiant 24 as Pakistan’s tournament came to a close.

Earlier, the bowlers had managed to take regular wickets, but they never got the powerful Kiwi batting line-up under control.

ICC
 
Pakistan W v Australia W Third T20I update: Match called off due to rain
 
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by six wickets

Bangladesh 101-8, 20 overs (Shamima Sultana 36; Nida Dar 2-12, Nashra Sundhu 2-19)

Pakistan 105-4, 16 overs (Nida Dar 24 not out, Bismah Maroof 24, Ayesha Naseem 20 not out; Rumana Ahmed 2-6, Marufa Akter 2-27)
 
Scores in brief:

South Africa beat Pakistan by six wickets

Pakistan 142-5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 48 not out, Ayesha Naseem 21; Ayabonga Khaka 2-23)

South Africa 143-4, 18.2 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 65, Tazmin Brits 36; Aliya Riaz 2-24)
 
Pakistan women’s team will be eying to secure a semi-final berth for the first time in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as they begin their journey in the ten-team tournament against India at the Newlands in Cape Town on Sunday.

Bismah Maroof will be leading the side in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time, after captaining the side in the previous edition held in Australia in 2020. She along with opening batter Javeria Khan will be featuring in their eighth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad includes an exciting blend of young and senior players. The side consist of leg-spinner Tuba, right-handed opening batter Sidra Amin and all-rounder Nida Dar – who have won ICC Player of the Month awards last year. Gujranwala-born Nida, who has featured in 126 T20Is, has 121 wickets to her name and requires only five more wickets to go past West Indies’ Anisa Mohammad tally of 125 wickets to become highest wicket-taker in this format in women’s cricket.

The side will be banking on experienced Aliya Riaz and young hard-hitting batter Ayesha Naseem to do well with the bat in the middle overs, while the bowling unit will be spearheaded by ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2021 Fatima Sana, who will be playing her first T20I in the mega event. Fatima will have the support of experienced Aimen Anwar, with spinners Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba also there to provide stability to the bowling department. Aliya and Nida are also handy with the ball with their right-arm medium and right-arm off-spin bowling, respectively.

Pakistan are placed in Group B and after their tournament opener tomorrow at the Newlands, Cape Town they will take on Ireland women (15 February) in an evening game at the same venue. Pakistan women’s team will then travel to Boland Park, Paarl to feature in their third Group B fixture against West Indies on 19 February, before returning back to the Newlands to feature in their final group match against England on 21 February.

The semi-finals will be played on 23 and 24 February, while the final will be held on Sunday, 26 February. All three matches will be staged at the Newlands, Cape Town.

The 36-year old Nida and 21-year old Fatima talked to the PCB Digital on the eve of their first match of the 2023 edition. Nida Dar said: “The preparations have been good. We have had a good series against Australia despite not winning matches over there, but still a lot to learn from the series which will help us do well in the World Cup. We are placed in a competitive group where we have sides like England, India, Ireland and West Indies. We will take one game at a time and look forward to qualifying for the semi-finals.

“We have a good combination of young and experienced players in our squad. The young players are quick learners and are very enthusiastic. They bring energy in the squad, which ultimately help the senior players to contribute in team’s win.

“Aliya Riaz and Ayesha Naseem roles will be very critical in the batting order, the last five overs are really important and strikers like Aliya and Ayesha will help us do well in the latter stage of the batting. This will ultimately help the bowlers as they will have enough runs to do good in the bowling department.

“India-Pakistan contest is such that it does not require any Sunday, fans will be there to witness the contest any day provided the two sides are playing against each other. It is all about controlling the nerves, it is also exciting to play such matches as people watch you play.

“I don’t want to take any extra pressure on the record coming my way of becoming the highest wicket-taker in the T20I format. I just love playing this game and I just want to enjoy the moment and give my best for the team.”

Fatima Sana said: “I am very excited to play my first T20I match in the World Cup and lead our bowling attack. Obviously playing against India is a special feeling, but we will take it as a normal game and try to give our best shot in the match.

“Fans support are very important; we will want the fans to continue their support to the team whether they are in stadium or watching us from Pakistan. I know the fans really enjoy India-Pakistan contest, so do come to the ground and support our team.”

Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hassan

Reserves: Ghulam Fatima and Kainat Imtiaz

Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach and interim head coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital content manager), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Hafiz Salman Asif (team doctor), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst), and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Pakistan fixtures

12 February v India at Newlands, Cape Town, 1800 PKT
15 February v Ireland at Newlands, Cape Town, 2200 PKT
19 February v West Indies at Boland Park, Paarl, 1800 PKT
21 February v England at Newlands, Cape Town, 1800 PKT
 
India will be without vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for their #T20WorldCup opener against Pakistan due to a finger injury
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have accepted resignation of <a href="https://twitter.com/maroof_bismah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maroof_bismah</a> Captain of Pakistan Women’s National Team. She wants to make way for a younger colleague. But happily she will continue to play for Pakistan and bring laurels for her country.</p>— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) <a href="https://twitter.com/najamsethi/status/1630666995594305537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Bismah Maroof has stepped down as Pakistan women’s national team captain but will remain available for selection as a player, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.

Bismah was named as Pakistan’s all-format captain in September 2017 and has had the best win/loss ratio amongst all the regular players to lead the country in One-Day Internationals (1.000) and T20 Internationals (0.843). Under her leadership, the ODI team played 34 matches and won 16, while the T20I side won 27 of 62 matches.

Bismah Maroof: “It has been an honour for me to captain my country and I feel fortunate to have led an incredible and hardworking bunch of cricketers. It has been one exciting ride, which has been full of highs and lows, but, at the end of the day, I will always be thankful to Almighty for providing me this opportunity.

“With the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle in its initial stages and the 2024 T20 World Cup more than a year away, I think this is the right time for me to step down and help so we have a smooth transition.

“I am looking forward to continuing to play as a player and playing my role for the team.”

PCB Management Committee Chair, Najam Sethi: “I congratulate and thank Bismah Maroof for her services as the captain of the national women’s side.

“Bismah has been an inspiration for millions of girls and has been a catalyst for a positive change. With her immense dedication and hard work, she has shown that women can continue to follow their passions and dreams.

“She has always put her country before herself and that is underscored by how she has offered to help in smoothening the leadership transition ahead of an exciting and jam-packed season. I am sure her presence in the Pakistan dressing room will continue to be a source of inspiration to our young cricketers and she will continue to serve Pakistan with honour and pride as she has been doing since she was a teenager.”

Bismah’s replacement will be announced in due course.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An absolute peach 🍑 from the Pakistani quick 🇵🇰 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI23</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FairBreak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FairBreak</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crickettwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crickettwitter</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/baig_diana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@baig_diana</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmxyyZOMMi">pic.twitter.com/mmxyyZOMMi</a></p>— FairBreak (@fairbreakglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/fairbreakglobal/status/1642781362330689538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Nida named captain, Coles reappointed coach, Saleem to head selection panel in Pakistan women’s cricket shake-up

Lahore, 6 April 2023:

Nida Dar has been appointed as the Pakistan women’s team captain, Mark Coles has been confirmed as the head coach while former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar has been named as the chair of the Women’s Selection Committee in key appointments, which were approved by the Chair of the PCB Management Committee Mr Najam Sethi.

The appointments have been made in light of the PCB’s vision and strategy to invest further into women’s cricket and keeping in mind the upcoming international assignments, including hosting South Africa and tours to Bangladesh and New Zealand for the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixtures.

Overall, in an 11-month period from August 2023 to July 2024, Pakistan women’s team is scheduled to play five bilateral cricket series comprising a total of 15 ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs. In addition to these 50-over matches, Pakistan will play as many as 17 T20Is. These ODIs and T20Is will lead to the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and eight-team ICC Women’s World Cup in India, which will be held in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Najam Sethi: “I want to congratulate Nida, Mark and Saleem on their appointments. Nida is a seasoned and highly-respected player, Mark has a proven track record in women's cricket coaching and Saleem brings with him wealth of international experience and knowledge.

“We are confident this combination will not only attract and help young cricketers to fulfill their dreams of becoming top-quality international cricketers, but will also ensure the side as a whole emulates their previous performances and achievements.

“I remain confident under their supervision and guile of Nida, Mark and Saleem, Pakistan women’s cricket will grow and flourish.”

NIDA DAR

Nida won the PCB Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021 and replaces Bismah Maroof, who stepped down from captaincy following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. Nida is one of the most experienced players in the country, having represented Pakistan in 130 T20Is and 99 ODIs.

She is also the leading wicket-taker in T20I women’s cricket with 126 wickets to her name.

Nida was also a member of the Pakistan side’s that won the Asian Games gold in 2010 and 2014 in Guangzhou, China, and Incheon, South Korea. In 2019, she became the first Pakistan women’s cricketer to feature in Australia’s women’s franchise cricket.

In the ICC Women’s Rankings, Nida is presently ranked 32nd, 24th and ninth in ODI batters, bowlers and all-rounders’ categories, respectively. In T20Is, Nida is the 38th ranked batter, 21st ranked bowler and seventh ranked all-rounder.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team. It is a huge responsibility, and I am excited to lead the team in the upcoming events. I want to thank the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility and will do my best to take the team forward.

“I also want to thank Bismah Maroof for her services as the captain of the team. She has done a fantastic job, and I hope to continue her legacy and lead the team with the same passion and commitment.

“The upcoming season of women’s cricket is going to be a tough one. But we are fortunate to have some young exciting talent in our pool of players, which I am confident will significantly improve during the course and also help the side to produce strong performances.

“As a captain, my objective remains to inspire and mentor these young players to become quality cricketers. I will be extremely satisfied and content if we first break and then cement our place in the upper half of the ICC Women’s Championship before slowly working our way into the top-three.”

MARK COLES

Coles previously served as Pakistan women’s cricket team head coach from 2017 to 2019 and during his time, the side achieved major results, including a fifth finish in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-2020 that paved the way for the side to feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.

Also during his time, Sana Mir became the most successful ODI spinner in the world, Javeria Khan and Bismah Maroof were named to lead a multi-nation Women’s Global Development squad and Nida Dar became the first Pakistan woman player to earn a contract in the WBBL.

Present members of Coles’ coaching team are Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach) and Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach).

“I am grateful to the PCB for giving me yet another opportunity to work with the talented Pakistan women’s team. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and I look forward to the exciting times ahead as we aim to improve our previous performances and achievements.

“We have a lot of potential in the team, and I look forward to helping the players to give their best and achieve success on the international stage.”

SALEEM JAFFAR

Saleem Jaffar will head the selection panel, which also includes Asmavia Iqbal, Marina Iqbal and Mohtashim Rasheed.

Saleem has had a few instincts with the women’s side, with the last being as interim head coach at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup South Africa. As an international cricketer, Saleem took 36 wickets in 14 Tests and 40 wickets in 39 ODIs from 1986 to 1992.

“These are exciting times to work in women’s cricket as not only a lot of competitive cricket is lined-up, but we have in our pool some young but extremely talented and skilled cricketers, who have all the ingredients to become top-ranked international players. It is our collective responsibility to help them achieve their career objectives and targets, and as chair of the selection committee and bowling coach, I look forward to this challenge.”

Pakistan women’s team upcoming bilateral series

Aug/Sep 2023 – South Africa tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Oct/Nov 2023 – Pakistan tour to Bangladesh (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Nov/Dec 2023 – Pakistan tour to New Zealand (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Feb 2024 – West Indies tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & five T20Is)

Jul 2024 – Pakistan tour to England (three ODIs & three T20Is)
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A quickfire 30-ball 45* at No. 8 from <a href="https://twitter.com/imfatimasana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imfatimasana</a> has propelled the <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBarmyArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBarmyArmy</a> Team to 158 &#55357;&#56399;&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816;<br><br>Can the Pakistan youngster’s knock send her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI23</a> side into Sunday’s final❓<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CricHeroes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricHeroes</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FairBreak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FairBreak</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tk9YcMLEfx">pic.twitter.com/Tk9YcMLEfx</a></p>— FairBreak (@fairbreakglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/fairbreakglobal/status/1647150770943569920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Pakistan’s best women cricketers will be in action in the City of Lights, Karachi, from Friday, 19 May, in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament 2022-23. The tournament has been designed to provide maximum matches to these cricketers and will be played in two iterations – in the first, four sides will play T20 matches on round-robin basis and three teams will play one-day matches on double round-robin basis with the final on 4 June.

The first phase of the tournament will see probables for ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup – to be played in Hong Kong in June – showcase their skills, talent and get the desired match practice in challenging conditions under the banner of Strikers. The team will be captained by Pakistan ace fast bowler Fatima Sana.

The other three sides are Blasters, captained by Muneeba Ali, Pakistan’s only batter to score a century in T20Is, Challengers, led by left-arm orthodox Sadia Iqbal, and Dynamites, skippered by right-handed top-order batter Sidra Amin.

These six T20 matches will be played from 19 to 21 May at Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre Oval Ground and State Bank Ground.

From 23 May, Blasters, Challengers and Dynamites will feature in the 50-over tournament. The three teams will take on each other twice and the top two teams will play the final at the State Bank Ground, which will be live-streamed on PCB YouTube channel.

In line with its policy of incentivising top-performers, the winning side will bag PKR1million and the runners-up will get PKR500,000. Player of the match award winners will get PKR20,000 and the player of the tournament will get PKR 50,000.

Explaining the philosophy behind holding the tournament in two phases, Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick said: “I am thrilled to announce the upcoming Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament in Karachi. This is a fantastic opportunity for our talented women cricketers to showcase their skills and compete against each other.

“We have planned the tournament in two phases to offer a diverse range of formats and challenges to the players. The first phase will feature four teams playing in the T20 format, providing valuable experience and preparation for our Pakistan Emerging team players, who will represent us in the Emerging ACC Women's T20 Tournament later next month.

“The second phase of the tournament will see three teams competing in the one-day format, and I am confident that this phase will offer high-quality cricket and thrilling competition.”

Squads for the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament

Blasters: Muneeba Ali (captain), Aleena Shah, Anam Amin, Asma Amin, Ayesha Bilal, Ayesha Javed, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fajar Naveed, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Saba Nazir, Saiqa Riaz, Zaib-un-Nisa and Zunera Shah

Support staff: Mauhtashim Rashid (head coach), Nahida Bibi (assistant coach), Qurat ul Ain Kazmi (manager) and Areesha Anwar (physiotherapist)

Challengers: Sadia Iqbal (captain), Aima Saleem, Amber Kainat, Areesha Noor, Fareeha Mehmood, Fatima Zehra, Huraina Sajjad, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Masooma Zehra, Noreen Yaqoob, Saima Malik and Warda Yousaf

Support staff: Taufeeq Umar (head coach), Hajra Sarwar (assistant coach), Shagufta Kazim (manager) and Bisma Ahmed (Physiotherapist)

Dynamites: Sidra Amin (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Fatima Shahid, Ghulam Fatima, Humna Bilal, Khadija Chishti, Laiba Nasir, Maham Manzoor, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar and Yusra Amir

Support staff: Waseem Yousafi (head coach), Rehmat Gull (assistant coach), Saira Iftikhar (manager) and Ammara Fatima (physiotherapist)

Strikers: Fatima Sana (captain), Anoosha Nasir, Dua Majid, Eyman Fatima, Fatima Khan, Gull Feroza, Gulrukh, Lubna Behram, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani

Support staff: Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Muhammad Kamran (assistant coach), Aisha Jalil (manager) and Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist)

Tournament schedule (matches to start at 9am):

First phase (T20 format)

19 May – Dynamites vs Blasters, State Bank Ground

Challengers vs Strikers, Oval Academy Ground.

20 May –Dynamites vs Challengers, State Bank Ground

Blasters vs Strikers, Oval Academy Ground.

21 May –Dynamites vs Strikers, State Bank Ground

Blasters vs Challengers, Oval Academy Ground.

Second phase (50-over format)

23 May – Blasters vs Dynamites, State Bank Ground

25 May –Blasters vs Challengers, State Bank Ground

27 May –Dynamites vs Challengers, State Bank Ground

29 May – Dynamites vs Blasters, State Bank Ground

31 May – Challengers vs Blasters, State Bank Ground

2 June – Challengers vs Dynamites, State Bank Ground

4 June – Final, State Bank Ground
 
Mark Coles, who has been reappointed as Pakistan women’s team coach, met national players at State Bank Ground Saturday. Coles reached Karachi earlier on Saturday and went to State Bank Ground to watch Dynamites vs Challengers contest of the ongoing four-team T20 series.

After the match, Coles reunited with the national players whom he coached during his last stint from 2017 to 2019.

“It feels great to be back and meeting you guys,” said Coles in a brief chat with the players. “It’s good to see some old faces alongside some youngsters. I watched the match today and it was great to see players putting in all the effort,” he added.

Coles said he is looking forward to the start of the women’s Pakistan Cup. “I am really excited about the one-day matches. Keep your momentum high and work hard for the 50-over format. I will be looking at you all during the matches,” he concluded.

During his previous stint, Pakistan achieved major results, including a fifth finish in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-2020 that paved the way for the side to feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.

https://www.nation.com.pk/21-May-2023/mark-coles-reunites-with-national-women-cricketers
 
Fatima Sana to captain Pakistan in emerging women’s T20 Asia Cup

Karachi, 24 May 2023:

Fatima Sana will lead Pakistan in the upcoming ACC Emerging Women’s T20 Asia Cup that will be played in Hong Kong next month. The national women’s selection committee has announced 14-player squad, which includes four players who featured in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier in the year, for the eight-team tournament that will be played from 12 till 21 June.

The squad has been put together after observing performances in the T20 phase of the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament and emerging camp in Multan in March.

Fatima has played 31 One-Day Internationals and 24 T20 Internationals and the decision to name her captain for the tournament has been made after she captained Strikers, based on probables for this squad, to wins in all three matches in the above-mentioned tournament and led Blasters’ successful T20 Championship campaign in Lahore in December.

Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Gulrukh, Lubna Behram, Najiha Alvi (wk), Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Yusra Amir. Reserves: Amber Kainat, Dua Majid, Fatima Khan and Rameen Shamim

Pakistan are slotted in Group A with Hong Kong, India A and Thailand A. Pakistan will open their campaign on 13 June with the match against Thailand A, after which they play Hong Kong and India A on 15 and 17 June, respectively. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals which will be played on 19 June. The final of the tournament will be held on 21 June.

Chief selector Saleem Jaffar: “I want to congratulate all players who have been selected for the emerging Asia Cup and I am hopeful that they will perform to their full potential. We have some outstanding talent coming up and it was a tough call to select 14 players. I want to tell those cricketers who have not been selected for this tournament to keep their heads high and keep working hard and they will definitely get chances in the upcoming events.

“We have been observing these players since the camp in Multan and we have tested them in different conditions, with their most recent challenge being the three T20 matches against our top international players.

“Fatima Sana has displayed some outstanding leadership credentials in domestic tournaments recently, and I am sure she will lead this side with example.”

Fatima Sana: “It is an honour for me to captain Pakistan in the upcoming tournament. The responsibility of leading the emerging side will definitely help me develop as a cricketer and I am eagerly looking forward to leading my team in this important tournament. These players are full of energy and are excited for the opportunity ahead of them.

“We have had good practice over the last few weeks, and the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament provided us ample match practice against tough sides. Ahead of these matches, we had a healthy discussion as a team amongst ourselves that we have to make the most of these matches, and I am glad how every player stepped up and contributed in each game.”

The emerging team’s pre-tournament camp will begin tomorrow, Thursday, at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance and will run until 8 June. They will depart for Hong Kong on 9 June.

Player support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Muhammad Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Muhammad Usman Shahid (analyst) and Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist).

The national women’s selection committee includes Asmavia Iqbal, Marina Iqbal and Mohtashim Rashid.
 
Dynamites’ Bismah Maroof has been fined 20 per cent of match fee for a level 1 breach of the PCB’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during her side’s match against Blasters in the ongoing Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament 2022-23 at the State Bank Stadium on Monday.

Bismah was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the PCB Code of Conduct, which reads as: “Showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during a Match”.

The incident happened in the 40th over of Dynamites innings when Bismah showed obvious disappointment over the umpiring decision when she was given out LBW.

The charge was imposed by on-field umpires Alay Hyder and Sabahat Rashid

Bismah accepted the charge and the fine was imposed by the match referee Mohammad Anees.
 
Fatima Sana confident of a good show in ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Karachi, 9 June 2023:

Fatima Sana-led Pakistan team will depart later tonight from Karachi for Hong Kong via Dubai to feature in the eight-team ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The T20 tournament will be played from 12 to 21 June at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.

Pakistan are slotted in Group A with Hong Kong, India A and Nepal. Pakistan will open their campaign on 13 June with the match against Nepal, after which they play Hong Kong and India A on 15 and 17 June, respectively. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals which will be played on 19 June. The final of the tournament will be held on 21 June.

Before team’s departure, the 14-member squad along with four reserves players took part in the 15-day camp, which was held at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi. The players under the supervision of coaching staff worked on various aspects of T20 cricket including improvised drills, nets sessions and scenario-based matches.

Before the camp, the players also featured for Strikers in the first phase of Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Karachi last month.

Six players apart from captain Fatima Sana have already represented Pakistan women’s team in international cricket. These include Gull Feroza (2 T20Is), Natalia Parvaiz (3 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (4 ODIs, 2 T20Is), Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 5T20Is), Tuba Hassan (1 ODI, 21 T20Is) and Umm-e-Hani (1 ODI).

Other than Aroob, three players – Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar have represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural edition of ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January this year in South Africa.

Fatima Sana said: “Our training camp in Karachi has laid a strong foundation for our journey in the ACC Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. I expect each player to carry the learnings from the camp and showcase their skills with confidence in the tournament.

“In Group A, we have formidable opponents in Nepal, hosts Hong Kong, and India A. I expect our players to approach each match with determination, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude.”

Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Gulrukh, Lubna Behram, Najiha Alvi (wk), Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Yusra Amir. Reserves: Amber Kainat, Dua Majid, Fatima Khan and Rameen Shamim

Player support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Muhammad Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Muhammad Usman Shahid (analyst) and Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist).

ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup Pakistan fixtures

13 June v Nepal at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 0600 PKT
15 June v Hong Kong at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 0600 PKT
17 June v India A at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 1030 PKT
 
Pakistan women’s team will be targeting a good display in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup as they begin their journey in the eight-team tournament against Nepal at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Fatima Sana will be leading the side in the T20 tournament, which began today.

Pakistan are slotted in Group A with Hong Kong, India A and Nepal. After tomorrow’s game, Pakistan will play hosts Hong Kong and India A on 15 and 17 June, respectively. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals which will be played on 19 June. The final of the tournament will be held on 21 June.

In the last edition of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2019, which was held in Sri Lanka, Pakistan remained winless in the four-team competition. Captain and right-arm fast Fatima, leg-spinners Tuba Hassan and Syeda Aroob Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi featured in the 2019 edition.

Six players apart from captain Fatima (31 ODIs, 24 T20Is) have already represented Pakistan women’s team in international cricket. These include Gull Feroza (2 T20Is), Natalia Parvaiz (3 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (4 ODIs, 2 T20Is), Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 5T20Is), Tuba Hassan (1 ODI, 21 T20Is) and Umm-e-Hani (1 ODI).

Other than Aroob, three players – Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar – have represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural edition of ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January this year in South Africa.

Before the 15-day camp in Karachi, the players also represented Strikers in the first phase of Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Karachi last month, where the team under the leadership of Fatima won all three matches.

On the eve of the first game, Fatima Sana said: “We have worked hard in our preparations, and the roles have been clearly defined to each player. Now is the time for them to step up and deliver their best for the team.

“While individual brilliance can make a difference, I believe in the strength of our team. We have a talented group of players, and I don't want to rely solely on one individual. It's crucial for every player to contribute to the team's success. I have faith that each member will give their all and collectively, we will achieve great results.

“Tournaments like these provide a fantastic platform for our young players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place in the senior side internationally. It's a golden opportunity for them, and I believe they will grab it with both hands.”

Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Gulrukh, Lubna Behram, Najiha Alvi (wk), Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Yusra Amir. Reserves: Amber Kainat, Dua Majid, Fatima Khan and Rameen Shamim

Player support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Muhammad Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Muhammad Usman Shahid (analyst) and Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist).

ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup Pakistan fixtures

13 June v Nepal at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 0600 PKT
15 June v Hong Kong at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 0600 PKT
17 June v India A at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong, 1030 PKT
 
Spinners help Pakistan defend low total in ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Hong Kong, 13 June 2023:

Spinners led by Syeda Aroob Shah and Tuba Hassan helped Pakistan successfully defend a low total against Nepal in their first match of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest 88-run target, leg-spinners Aroob and Tuba never allowed the opposing batters to settle and picked up wickets regularly. The duo ended up taking two wickets apiece, while off-spinner Umm-e-Hani and left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir snapped a wicket each to give Pakistan a nine-run win.

For Nepal, Kabita Kunwar (20, 32b, 2x4s) and Kabita Joshi (15 not out, 17b, 1x4) were the only batters to enter into double figures.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan A were bowled out for 87 in 19.2 overs. Opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored for her side with a 36-ball 28, hitting one four.

For Nepal, Indu Barma was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for six runs from three overs. Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar and Sita Rana Magar bagged two wickets apiece.

Pakistan will now take on hosts Hong Kong on Thursday, 15 June. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 0600 PKT.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan A beat Nepal by nine runs

Pakistan A 87 all out, 19.2 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 28, Fatima Sana 16; Indu Barma 3-6, Kabita Kunwar 2-12, Kabita Joshi 2-16, Sita Rana Magar 2-16)

Nepal 78-6, 20 overs (Kabita Kunwar 20, Kabita Joshi 15 not out; Syeda Aroob Shah 2-16, Tuba Hassan 2-23)

Player of the match – Kabita Kunwar (Nepal)
 
ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Hong Kong was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Thursday.

The two teams get a point each of the match.

Pakistan, who won their first match against Nepal by nine runs at the same venue on Tuesday, will now take on India A in their third match of the tournament on Saturday. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 1030 PKT.
 
Nahida Khan has announced her retirement from international cricket 14 years after making her ODI debut in Bogra, Bangladesh against Sri Lanka on 7 February 2009.

Nahida became the only female cricketer from Balochistan to represent Pakistan as she represented the national women’s team in 120 international matches, scoring 2,014 runs and taking one wicket. She holds the record for the most catches in an ODI innings, taking four catches in Pakistan’s 94-run win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2018.

She also represented Pakistan in three 50-over World Cups (2013, 2017 and 2022) and in four T20 World Cups (2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018).

Nahida has also made a foray into the field of coaching, having recently worked as the assistant coach of Blasters in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Karachi. Previously, she deputised head coach Taufiq Umar’s Amazons side, which won the Women’s League exhibition matches 2-1 against Super Women in March.

Reflecting on her retirement, Nahida Khan said: “I am grateful to the unwavering support I received throughout my career. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their guidance and belief in my abilities. I also want to thank the passionate fans who supported throughout my journey, both in Pakistan and across the globe.”

Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick said: “Nahida Khan's contribution to women's cricket in Pakistan will be remembered. Her dedication, skill, and constant determination have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring generations of cricketers to follow their dreams and pursue greatness.

“As Nahida embarks on the next chapter of her life, the cricketing fraternity, fans, and well-wishers extend their warmest wishes.”
 
South Africa women’s cricket team will undertake their first-ever tour to Pakistan in August/September that will kick-start a busy 2023-24 international cricket season for the Pakistan women’s cricket team.

South Africa will play three T20Is and three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs in Karachi from 1-14 September. Pakistan is presently sitting second on points table with five wins in nine ODIs (three series), while South Africa has played only one series of three ODIs and has six points.

In the inaugural ICC Women’s Championship 2014-16, Pakistan had hosted South Africa in Sharjah with the African side winning the series 2-1. In the 2017-20 edition, Pakistan toured South Africa with the series ending in a 1-1 drawn after the third ODI in Benoni finished in a thrilling tie.

South Africa will be the fourth high-profile national women’s side to tour Pakistan in recent times. In January 2019, West Indies women played three T20Is in Karachi, while in May and November 2022, Sri Lanka and Ireland played ODIs and T20Is in Karachi and Lahore, respectively. Separately, 11 cricketers from seven countries, including three captains, featured in the three Women’s League Exhibition matches in Rawalpindi in March.

The home series against South Africa will be one of the five ICC Women’s Championship series Pakistan will participate in during the 2023-24 season. In October, Pakistan will travel to Bangladesh, followed by tours to New Zealand in November and England in May 2024. Prior to their tour to England, Pakistan will host the West Indies in April 2024.

This means Pakistan’s women cricketers will be involved in 15 ICC Women’s Championship ODIs and 17 T20Is over the next 12 months. The tally of T20Is is likely to increase as the side is also expected to participate in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in September. Pakistan women’s side had clinched gold in Guangzhou (2010) and Incheon (2014) when women’s cricket was included in the Asian Games.

With an aim to identify talent and invest in the future, the Pakistan Women’s Wing has also scheduled two emerging series against the West Indies (in October) and Bangladesh (January). Against the West Indies Emerging side, Pakistan will play three 50-over and three T20 matches, while on the tour to Bangladesh, the Pakistan U19 squad will play five T20 matches.

The forthcoming series against South Africa will be all-rounder Nida Dar’s first series as captain. Nida is the one of most experienced players in the country with 99 ODIs and 130 T20Is.

Pakistan captain Nida Dar: “The next 12 months will be incredibly busy for the Pakistan women’s cricket team and I look forward to the upcoming assignments with excitement and anticipation. These matches will contribute significantly in our endeavours to gain experience and exposure, and narrow gap with the front-runners.

“The busy season will start with the home series against South Africa, which will also be my first series as captain. I am hoping to make it a memorable one for myself by not only completing a century of ODIs but also assisting the side to collect valuable ICC Women’s Championship points so that we can finish in the upper half of the draw. However, to achieve this, we will have to play outstandingly well as South Africa is an experienced side that possesses a number of quality players.”

Suné Luus, who captained South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 and also featured in the Women’s League Exhibition matches in Rawalpindi: “I am extremely excited to be back to play a bilateral series in Pakistan. Having visited Pakistan earlier this year for the women’s league exhibition matches, I was truly impressed by the warm hospitality and the passionate cricket fans. The players were very friendly, it was really great to be there and experience the country.

“Pakistan is always a very competitive and dangerous side at their own backyard, so I feel it’s going to be a good series.

“The ODIs being a part of ICC Women’s Championship is very important for women’s cricket, and we all are looking forward to it.”

Pakistan’s schedule in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25:

vs South Africa (all matches in Karachi)

27 Aug – South Africa team arrival
1 Sep – First T20I v South Africa
3 Sep – Second T20I v South Africa
5 Sep – Third T20I v South Africa
8 Sep – First ODI v South Africa
11 Sep – Second ODI v South Africa
14 Sep – Third ODI v South Africa
Oct/Nov 2023 – Pakistan tour to Bangladesh (three ODIs & three T20Is)
Nov/Dec 2023 – Pakistan tour to New Zealand (three ODIs & three T20Is)
Apr/May 2024 – West Indies tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & five T20Is)
May 2024 – Pakistan tour to England (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 to date:

vs Sri Lanka (won 2-1)
vs Ireland (won 3-0)
vs Australia (lost 3-0)

Additional series

Sep 2023 – 19th Asian Games, China
Oct/Nov 2023 – West Indies emerging team tour to Pakistan (three T20s and three one-days)
Jan 2024 – Pakistan U19 tour to Bangladesh (five T20s)
 
ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and India was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The two teams get a point each of the match and ended up with four points each from three outings.

Both sides also qualify for the semi-finals, with India topping the table on better run-rate then Pakistan.

India and Pakistan will face Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively in the semi-finals scheduled on Monday, 19 June. Due to continuous rain, a reserved day has been kept (20 June) for the semi-finals.

The final of the tournament will be held on Wednesday, 21 June.
 
The second semi-final of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan A and Bangladesh A will now take place on Tuesday, reserve day, after today’s encounter was washed out without a ball bowled due to rain at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Monday. The match will begin at 1030PST.

Pakistan A, led by Fatima Sana, qualified for the semi-final after bagging four points from three matches, as two group games were washed out due to rain.
 
ACC Emerging Women's Asia Cup

Second semi-final

Bangladesh A won the toss and are batting first. Nine overs a side match
 
Pakistan A fall short by six runs in the semi-final against Bangladesh A
 
Pakistan women’s squad for white-ball series against South Africa announced

• Uncapped Shawaal Zulfiqar named in 15-member T20I squad

• Diana Baig returns to both ODI and T20I squads after recovering from finger injury

Lahore, 11 August 2023:

Pakistan national women team’s chief selector Saleem Jaffar today announced a 15-player squad for next month’s bilateral white-ball series against South Africa. The series consists of three T20Is and three ODIs, with the ODIs being part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.

18-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar, who has also been included in Pakistan’s squad for next month’s Asian Games, has been picked for the three T20Is scheduled to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 1 to 5 September. The T20I series will be followed by three ODIs taking place at the same venue on 8, 11 and 14 September.

Right-arm fast bowler Diana Baig makes a comeback and is placed in both squads after recovering from a finger injury that kept her out from the game for more than six months. She sustained finger injury in the third One-Day International against Australia in January this year.

The side will be captained by experienced all-rounder Nida Dar, who will lead the side after taking over from Bismah Maroof, who stepped down from captaincy after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February this year.

The squads were finalised after deliberations amongst the women’s selection committee led by Saleem Jaffar and captain Nida Dar.

Leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah, who last featured for Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, stages a comeback in the T20I side after more than three years. All-rounder Natalia Parvaiz, who last turned out for Pakistan in 2018, is back in the T20I side and is also kept as a reserve player in ODI squad. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi is also a member of the 15-player T20I squad. Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani, who has featured in one ODI is also part of the T20I squad.

Meanwhile, Aimen Anwar, Javeria Khan, Ayesha Naseem (retired from international cricket), Sidra Nawaz and Tuba Hassan are the players left out from the last T20I squad that played the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Omaima Sohail is part of the reserves in the shortest format.

In the ODI squad, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar have been selected in place of Ayesha Naseem and Kainat Imtiaz from the tour of Australia earlier this year.

Pakistan T20I squad for South Africa series:

Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani

Reserves – Anoosha Nasir, Omaima Sohail and Waheeda Akhtar

Pakistan ODI squad for South Africa series:

Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar

Reserves – Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz and Tuba Hassan

Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar: “After careful consideration, we have decided to bring Syeda Aroob Shah and Natalia Parvaiz back into the fold in the T20I format. Their recent performances and improved fitness have been remarkable, and we believe they will bring a new dimension to the team.

“Umm-e-Hani’s inclusion in both squads is based on her exceptional off-spin abilities. With the pitches in Karachi favoring spinners, we are confident that she will play a crucial role in our bowling attack.

“To bolster our fast-bowling department, we have selected Waheeda Akhter in the ODI squad. With Diana Baig and Fatima Sana leading our pace attack, it's essential to have cover for them. These two fast bowlers have proven themselves to be pivotal in ODI cricket, especially considering the use of two new balls.”

Pakistan women’s team are placed fourth in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 points table, winning five matches from nine outings. This will be Pakistan’s third home series in the ICC Women’s Championship, after they hosted Sri Lanka (2-1) and Ireland (3-0) last year in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.

South Africa, who are embarking on their first-ever tour of Pakistan, will reach Karachi on 27 August. They are currently placed on the ninth spot in the ICC Women’s Championship, after playing just one series in the championship and winning all their three matches against Ireland held in June 2022.

The team management and schedule of Pakistan team’s training camp will be announced in due course.

Series schedule:

vs South Africa (all matches at National Bank Stadium, Karachi)

27 Aug – South Africa team arrival
1 Sep – First T20I v South Africa
3 Sep – Second T20I v South Africa
5 Sep – Third T20I v South Africa
8 Sep – First ODI v South Africa
11 Sep – Second ODI v South Africa
14 Sep – Third ODI v South Africa
 
Nida Dar meets PCB Chairman Management Committee Zaka Ashraf
Lahore, 14 August 2023:

Nida Dar, captain of Pakistan women’s team and members of the national women’s team met with the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Mr. Zaka Ashraf today.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Women Player Development Program orientation of the Lahore Qalandars, where Mr. Zaka Ashraf was invited as chief guest. In the meeting, Women Wing head Tania Mallick and Chief Operating Officer, PCB Mr Salman Naseer were also present.

During the meeting, Chairman Management Committee Zaka Ashraf acknowledged women cricketers’ dedication and contribution to the sport. He on the auspicious occasion of 76th Independence Day announced the introduction of the first-ever domestic contracts for women cricketers and also a substantial raise in central contracts for women cricketers.

Mr. Zaka Ashraf affirmed his commitment to furthering the progress of women cricketers across the nation and assured them of his continued support. He reiterated the importance of providing equal opportunities, resources, and facilities which included more cricket grounds to women cricketers, enabling them to excel at both the national and international levels.

Zaka Ashraf: “I am extremely pleased to witness the remarkable progress our women cricketers have made in recent times. These athletes showcase exceptional talent and serve as true ambassadors of our nation. The dedication they exhibit on the field reflects their commitment to the sport and the pride they bring to Pakistan.

“As we move forward, the PCB has decided to improve their contracts and our focus is to ensure that our women cricketers receive the respect, support, and opportunities they need to do well in this game.”

Nida Dar and the women cricketers congratulated Mr. Zaka Ashraf on his recent appointment as the Chairman of the Management Committee and commended his proactive initiatives aimed at the growth of women's cricket in Pakistan. The players conveyed their enthusiasm for the future of women's cricket under the leadership of Zaka Ashraf and thanked him for his continuous support of women’s cricket.

The PCB will make the announcement on women's contracts in due course.
 
In a significant development for women's cricket in Pakistan, a total of 74 talented women cricketers have been awarded 11-month domestic contracts, the first of its kind in women’s cricket. Among the 74 players, 59 players belong to emerging and U19 categories, while 14 players have already represented Pakistan women’s team at the senior level.

This important advancement is set to provide a substantial boost to the confidence of women cricketers, as an action-packed women's cricket season is all set to resume from 1 September.

These domestic contracts have been conferred upon individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U19 domestic tournament, and the ICC U19 Women's World Cup. The players have been selected by the national women’s selection committee led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, with recommendations from national and academy coaches. The initiative aims not only to acknowledge their hard work and dedication but also elevate the standard of women's cricket within the country.

The decision to offer these contracts underscores the commitment of the Pakistan Cricket Board led by the Management Committee Chairperson Mr Zaka Ashraf to foster the growth of women's cricket, provide a viable career path, and motivate more women to participate and excel in the sport. This step will have a ripple effect on women’s cricket, encouraging more players to aspire to play at the highest level.

PCB Management Committee Head Zaka Ashraf: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication. Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women's cricket in our nation.

“This initiative isn't just about signing contracts, it's about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.

“It is our firm belief that empowering these athletes will not only elevate the standard of our women's cricket but also inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.”

Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “We are thrilled to announce the awarding of domestic contracts to 74 of our finest women cricketers. This historic moment not only recognises their extraordinary skills but also aims to instill confidence and determination among our women athletes. As we approach a busy women's cricket season, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure their success.”

In addition to the domestic contracts, the PCB has also resumed facilities for women cricketers to train in eight cricket academies across the country, seven of which are operational. The operational academies include National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi, Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre in Multan, Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Bugti Stadium in Quetta and Women’s Sports Stadium in Bahawalpur.

Players who been offered domestic contracts will not be a part of the women’s central contracts 2023-24, which will be announced in due course. The players in the domestic contracts, in addition to receiving monthly retainers, will also receive match fee, daily allowance, and a share in prize money.

The 74 players along with their cities in alphabetical order are:

Aima Saleem (Rawalpindi), Aimen Anwar (Karachi), Aisha Javed (Lahore), Aleena Shah (Peshawar), Aliza Khan (Karachi), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Anam Amin (Lahore), Areesha Noor Bhatti (Lahore), Arijah Haseeb (Karachi), Asma Amin (Faisalabad), Asma Shareef (Arifwala), Ayesha Asim (Quetta), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dina Razvi (Karachi), Dua Majid (Lahore), Fajr Naveed (Rawalpindi), Fareeha Mehmood (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zehra (Rawalpindi), Gul-e-Uswa (Multan), Gull Feroza (Multan), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Haleema Azeem Dar (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Jannat Rasheed (Quetta), Javeria Khan (Karachi), Jaweria Rauf (Karachi), Kainat Imtiaz (Karachi), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Kinza Wahab (Karachi), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Lubna Behram (Hunza), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Maham Tariq (Karachi), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Masooma Zehra (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Natalia Parvaiz (Bhimber), Neha Sharmeen Sheikh (Karachi), Noor-Ul-Eman (Bahawalpur), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Quratulain Ahsen (Lahore), Rameen Shamim (Karachi), Rida Aslam (Lahore), Saba Nazir (Muridke), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Sana Talib (Rahim Yar Khan), Sania Rasheed (Rawalpindi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore), Subhana Tariq (Karachi), Syeda Taskyn Fatima (Karachi), Tasmia Rubab (Lahore), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad), Tahzeeb Shah (Swabi), Waheeda Akhter (Lahore), Wajeeha Muneer (Multan), Warda Yousaf (Okara), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda), Zamina Tahir (Lahore), Zunaira Shah (Karachi) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board, as part of its continuous effort to unearth women cricketers at the grassroots level, will hold a nationwide women's cricket trials, across eight cricket academies from 23 to 31 August. These trials will provide an exceptional platform for talented female cricketers from various age categories to showcase their skills and progress to the higher levels of the game.

The trials will be conducted by the National Selection Committee, which comprises of chairperson and former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, former international cricketers Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal. The trials will be conducted for three age groups: U19, in which players who are born on or after 1 September 2004 are eligible; emerging and seniors categories.

The trials will help the selectors identify talent and select squads for Pakistan emerging and Pakistan U19 teams. Pakistan emerging side will compete against West Indies emerging team at home in October this year, while Pakistan U19 will feature in a triangular event involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Bangladesh in January 2024.

Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “We have recently awarded first-ever domestic contracts to 74 women cricketers, setting the tone for a brighter future in women's cricket. With the nationwide trials, we are eagerly poised to bring in a new wave of talented individuals forward.

“We have a great and exciting amount of women’s cricket events ahead, and these trials will help us identify splendid talent that the selectors can consider for the national teams’ squads.”

The following is the schedule of trials in eight academies.

• Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi – 23 August
• Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre, Multan – 23 August
• Women Sports Stadium, Bahawalpur – 24 August
• Kinnard College for Women, Lahore – 24 August
• Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi/Islamabad – 28 August
• Qayyum Stadium, Peshawar – 29 August
• Abbottabad Stadium, Abbottabad – 30 August
• Bugti Stadium, Quetta – 31 August
 
Four uncapped women cricketers earn central contract

• Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Umm-e-Hani are four players to get contract for first time

• Sidra Amin due to her exceptional performance in 2022-23 season promoted to A from C category

• Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali and Sadia Iqbal are the other players to get promotions in the 20-player list

• Bismah Maroof, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Nawaz and Tuba Hassan have retained their respective categories

• Players were offered contracts last week for 23 months, which was signed by all players; Players performances will be assessed after a year

• New contracts see a maximum of 32 per cent of increase in retainers; 100 per cent increase in match fees in ODI format and 50 per cent increase in T20I format

Karachi, 29 August 2023:

The uncapped trio of Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar are among the four players who are awarded central contracts for the first time. Umm-e-Hani, who made her debut last year against Ireland, is the fourth player to earn her maiden central contract.

Like last year, 20 players have been awarded central contracts, which are divided into four categories A, B C and D being an emerging category.

The 20 players were offered central contracts last week for a duration of 23 months, commencing from 1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025. The performances of players will be assessed after a year. The contracts were signed by 19 players in Karachi during the series camp for South Africa. Eyman Fatima, who is not part of the white-ball series against South Africa, signed the contract in Lahore.

Captain Nida Dar and experienced Bismah Maroof have been retained in the A category, which sees a 19 per cent increase in their retainers. Sidra Amin, who is currently second in the list of top run-getters of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 with 535 runs from nine matches has jumped to A category from C.

The B category, which sees an increase of 32 per cent in players’ retainers, is occupied by four players. Muneeba Ali, who scored a century in this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has been promoted from C to B category. Fast bowler Fatima Sana, who also captained Pakistan emerging women’s team in this year’s ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 has been retained in B category along with left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu. Aliya Riaz has been demoted from A to B category.

In the C category, wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz has retained her position, while spinners Ghulam Fatima and Sadia Iqbal have been promoted from D to C category. Diana Baig, who missed out on most of the last year due to shoulder injury and later a finger injury has been demoted to C from B category. Omaima Sohail has been placed in C category compared to B category she was in last year’s central contracts list. The C category has 19 per cent increase in players retainers.

The D category, also known as the emerging category, features a total of eight players. Leg-spinner Tuba Hassan and right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas have retained their spots in the category which will see them register a 21 per cent increase in their retainers. Left-arm spinner Anosha Nasir, right-handed batters Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, all of whom represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup this year, have earned their maiden contracts. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi and off-spinner Umm-e-Hani, both of whom represented Pakistan emerging team in ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, are also part of D category. Syeda Aroob Shah, who captained Pakistan U19 in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, makes a comeback in central contract after missing out last year.

Anam Amin, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan and Kainat Imtiaz are the five players who have failed to retain this year’s central contract. All five players have been awarded the first-ever 11-month domestic contracts. Meanwhile, Ayesha Naseem, who retired from international cricket, is the sixth player to be left out from the contract.

Meanwhile, there is a 100 per cent increase in the match fee of players involved in an ODI match (playing and non-playing both). Also, there is a 50 per cent increase in match fees of players in a T20I match (playing and non-playing both).

Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket: “The extended contract duration reflects our anticipation of an action-packed international cricket calendar. We want our women cricketers to be fully prepared, physically and mentally, to face every challenge and celebrate every triumph that comes their way.

“The substantial increment in the monetary aspect of our women's central contracts reflects our commitment to providing an environment where players can focus solely on their game. This also acknowledges the rising standard and influence of women's cricket globally.

“Four outstanding players have earned their central contracts this year. This not only showcases the depth of talent in our women's cricket but also encourages healthy competition and a spirit of excellence within the team.”

Saleem Jaffar, Chair of Women’s Selection Committee: “The selection committee is pleased to announce the players who have been awarded contracts, considering the extensive cricketing calendar that lies ahead. We believe in development of emerging talent, and these new contracts aim to give confidence in these players as they prepare for the upcoming cricket season.

“Our primary focus while awarding contracts for the next 23 months has been to recognise consistent performance and dedication displayed by the players throughout the ICC Women's Championship cycle that began in 2022. The matches against Sri Lanka marked the inception of this evaluation, and we have precisely assessed each player's contribution during this cycle.”

Women’s Central Contracts (1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025):

Category A (3) –Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar and Sidra Amin

Category B (4) – Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Nashra Sundhu

Category C (5) – Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz

Category D (8) – Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Najiha Alvi, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani

Pakistan’s schedule in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25:

vs South Africa (all matches in Karachi)

1 Sep – First T20I v South Africa
3 Sep – Second T20I v South Africa
4 Sep – Third T20I v South Africa
8 Sep – First ODI v South Africa
11 Sep – Second ODI v South Africa
14 Sep – Third ODI v South Africa
Oct/Nov 2023 – Pakistan tour to Bangladesh (three ODIs & three T20Is)
Nov/Dec 2023 – Pakistan tour to New Zealand (three ODIs & three T20Is)
Apr/May 2024 – West Indies tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & five T20Is)
May 2024 – Pakistan tour to England (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Additional series

Sep 2023 – 19th Asian Games, China
Oct/Nov 2023 – West Indies emerging team tour to Pakistan (three T20s and three one-days)
Jan 2024 – Pakistan U19 and Sri Lanka U19 in Bangladesh (tri-series)
 
Pakistan W v South Africa W first T20I

Pakistan W have won the toss and are bowling first
 
Karachi, 1 September 2023: Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana held their nerves, leading Pakistan Women to their highest successful run-chase in T20Is. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, and Bismah Maroof’s 37 (30) being the highest number on Pakistan’s batting scorecard, the hosts chased down151 against South Africa on the last ball.

Captain Nida Dar won the toss and opted to field first, at the National Bank Stadium. The surface, conducive to batting, allowed the visitors a flying start. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, accompanied by Tazmin Brits, provided the visitors with a firecracker powerplay; the scorecard read 48-0 after the first six overs.

Pakistan’s left-arm-spin duo of Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal attempted, and succeeded to slow down the South African assault. The partnership was effectively broken after Wolvaardt lost her wicket to Nashra. Sadia later got Marizanne Kapp out cheaply. Before losing her wicket to Fatima Sana, Brits went on to score her highest score yet in the format; producing a magnificent 78, for which she was awarded player of the match, despite South Africa ending on the losing side.

Pakistani openers Shawaal Zulfiqar – on debut – and Sidra Amin set the tone for the chase. Despite losing wickets – and four of them being run outs – Pakistan did not falter for long. Bismah’s 37 helped provide stability and momentum to the chase, which was then upheld by the impressive partnership of 43 runs between Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali, the latter batting at number six for the third time.

The game turned into a thriller, with just eight needed off the last over. Aliya and Fatima rotated the strike effectively, bringing the required run to just one on the last ball. Aliya then took her gloves off in celebration, and relief, after hitting the winning runs.

The second T20I between South Africa and Pakistan will be played on 3 September 2023, Sunday at 7:30 pm.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat South Africa by 5 wickets.

South Africa: 150-3 (Tazmin Brits 78, Laura Wolvaardt 44; Nashra Sundhu 1-20, Sadia Iqbal 1-22)

Pakistan: 151-5 (Bismah Maroof 37, Aliya Riaz 28*; Marizanne Kapp 1-24).

Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits (South Africa)


PCB
 
Well done to the women's team. They have beaten a full-strength SA team. Bodes well for their future.
 
Pakistan W v South Africa W second T20I

Pakistan W have won the toss and are fielding first
 
Karachi, 3 September 2023: Pakistan clinched the T20I series after successively chasing 151 against the visitors. This marks Pakistan’s second bilateral T20I series win against South Africa; the previous coming in March 2015 when Pakistan won 2-1.

Captain Nida Dar won the toss and opted to field first. South Africa’s batting mirrored the template they had set for themselves in the first T20I; the visitors were 46-0 after the powerplay today, which was only two short of their powerplay score in the first T20I. As it had happened then, the left-arm spin duo of Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal spun a web, effectively limiting the flow of runs and providing the much-needed breakthrough.

Nashra first had the South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, and Sadia subsequently grabbed Tazmin Brits’ wicket. They were aided by Umm-e-Hani, on debut, who bowled tight lines, keeping any runs from leaking. At the end of the first innings, the South African scorecard mimicked the one displayed during the first T20I; 150-3.

While the young opener, Shawaal Zulfiqar, out cheaply, the experienced duo of Bismah Maroof and Sidra Amin quickly sought to build a steady, yet dominating, partnership. The 68-run-stand between the two brought both stability and momentum to the Pakistan innings. This was further carried on by the match-defining partnership between Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, where 54 runs came off just 29 balls. The fearless and attacking approach adopted by Pakistan ensured that the game never left their hands.

Although the target was the same as the first T20I, Pakistan did not leave it to the last ball this time. Aliya was able to take her side over the rope comfortably this time, with five deliveries remaining. Where there were tears of relief on Friday night, there was only a smile, as Aliya hugged Muneeba on the other end, after hitting the winning runs for the second time this series.

The third T20I will be played on 4 September 2023, at 7:30 pm.

Scores in Brief:

Pakistan won by 7 wickets.

South Africa: 150-3 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 41, Tazmin Brits 46; Nashra Sundhu 1-24, Sadia Iqbal 1-22).

Pakistan: 156-3 in 19.1 overs (Sidra Amin 61, Aliya Riaz 31*; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-20, Delmi Tucker 1-24).

Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Pakistan)


PCB
 
Huge achievement. Pakistan has found a good death over hitter in Aliya Riaz. These girls need more exposure on TV to inspire other girls to take up the sport.
 
Pakistan Women in cricket are performing impressively showcasing a significant improvement in their game.
 
3rd T20I (N), Karachi, September 04, 2023, South Africa Women tour of Pakistan

Pakistan Women 150/5 in 20 Overs
South Africa Women 144/5 in 20 Overs


PAK WMN won by 6 runs
 
Pakistan women’s team have made an addition to their squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar has been added as the 16th member of the squad.

18-year-old Shawaal made her T20I debut in the first T20I match against South Africa on 1 September at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Shawaal represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in South Africa this year and also featured for Pakistan emerging women’s team in the ACC Emerging Women’s Asia Cup.

The three-match ODI series, also part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, will be played on 8, 11 and 14 September at the National Bank Stadium.

Pakistan squad for ODI series:

Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.


PCB
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

FearlessRoar
[PICTURES] Fatima Sana: Pakistan women's cricket team captain and all-rounder
Replies
18
Views
645
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
  • Poll
Triumphant New Zealand Women beat South Africa Women to win ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024
2 3
Replies
222
Views
4K
sweep_shot
sweep_shot
FearlessRoar
Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan's white-ball team coach [Post Updated #17]
2 3 4
Replies
245
Views
5K
rpant_gabba
rpant_gabba
BouncerGuy
ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup (2025) - [From January 18 to February 02]
Replies
1
Views
40
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Pakistan Shaheens’ tour to Darwin (2024)
2
Replies
113
Views
7K
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
Back
Top