The Pakistan national women’s cricket team’s chief selector, Saleem Jaffar, unveiled a well-rounded 15-player squad for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa. The bilateral series comprises three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with the latter contributing to the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
The dynamic 18-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar, who also secured a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Games, has been named in the T20I squad for the three-match series set to unfold at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from September 1 to 5. Following the T20Is, the same venue will host the three ODIs on September 8, 11, and 14.
Making an eagerly anticipated return is right-arm fast bowler Diana Baig, who has regained her place in both squads after a six-month recovery from a finger injury. Baig’s injury hiatus began during the third One-Day International against Australia in January of this year.
The seasoned all-rounder Nida Dar will lead the team, taking over the captaincy from Bismah Maroof, who stepped down after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February.
The selection process for the squads was a result of thorough deliberations within the women’s selection committee, headed by Saleem Jaffar, and the team captain, Nida Dar.
Notable inclusions in the T20I squad include leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah, who returns after over three years, and all-rounder Natalia Parvaiz, marking her comeback after a four-year hiatus from international cricket. The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi also earns her place in the T20I squad. Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani, with one ODI appearance, is also part of the T20I lineup.
The ODI squad witnesses the replacements of Ayesha Naseem and Kainat Imtiaz with Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar, following the tour of Australia earlier in the 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, Umm-e-Hani
Reserves: Anoosha Nasir, Omaima Sohail, 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, Waheeda Akhtar
Reserves: Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Tuba Hassan
Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar expressed confidence in the selections and highlighted the return of Shah and Parvaiz to the T20I format, attributing their improved performances and fitness. Umm-e-Hani’s inclusion was attributed to her exceptional off-spin capabilities, which are expected to be an asset on Karachi’s spin-friendly pitches. The fast-bowling department has also been reinforced with the selection of Waheeda Akhtar in the ODI squad, offering cover for key players Diana Baig and Fatima Sana.
The forthcoming series marks Pakistan’s third home engagement in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. The team is positioned fourth in the points table, having won five of their nine matches. South Africa’s inaugural tour of Pakistan is scheduled to commence on August 27, with the series opener set for September 1. The visiting team is currently ranked ninth in the ICC Women’s Championship after registering three victories against Ireland in June 2022.
Details regarding the Pakistan team’s training camp and management are expected to be announced soon.
Series Schedule:
– August 27: South Africa team arrival
– September 1: First T20I vs. South Africa
– September 3: Second T20I vs. South Africa
– September 5: Third T20I vs. South Africa
– September 8: First ODI vs. South Africa
– September 11: Second ODI vs. South Africa
– September 14: Third ODI vs. South Africa
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