The Pakistan women’s cricket team is all set to make their mark in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup as they kick off their campaign against Nepal at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Led by the talented Fatima Sana, the team aims to deliver a solid performance in the T20 tournament, which commenced today.
Pakistan finds themselves in Group A alongside Hong Kong, India A, and Nepal. After their clash with Nepal, Pakistan will face hosts Hong Kong and India A on June 15 and 17, respectively. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for June 19, with the grand final set to take place on June 21.
In the previous edition of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup held in 2019 in Sri Lanka, Pakistan faced disappointment as they remained winless in the four-team competition. This year, with the leadership of captain Fatima Sana, right-arm fast bowler, along with leg-spinners Tuba Hassan and Syeda Aroob Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, Pakistan aims to turn their fortunes around.
Apart from captain Fatima, six players have already represented the Pakistan women’s team in international cricket. This includes Gull Feroza, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e-Hani. Additionally, three players, Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, have showcased their talent by representing Pakistan U19 in the inaugural edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Before the 15-day training camp in Karachi, the players participated in the first phase of the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament, representing the Strikers. Led by captain Fatima, the team emerged victorious in all three matches, gaining valuable match practice and confidence.
Expressing her thoughts ahead of the tournament, Fatima Sana stated, “We have put in tremendous effort in our preparations, and each player has been assigned clear roles. It’s now time for them to step up and give their best for the team.”
She further emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective contribution, stating, “While individual brilliance can make a difference, I believe in the strength of our team. It is crucial for every player to contribute to the team’s success. I have faith that each member will give their all, and together, we will achieve remarkable results.”
The ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup provides a valuable platform for young players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place in the senior national side. Fatima Sana sees this as a golden opportunity for the emerging talents in the team, and she believes they will seize it with great enthusiasm.
The Pakistan squad, led by Fatima Sana, consists of 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. The reserves include Amber Kainat, Dua Majid, Fatima Khan, and Rameen Shamim.
Let’s cheer on the Pakistan women’s team as they embark on their ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup journey:
- June 13: Pakistan vs. Nepal at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong (06:00 PKT)
- June 15: Pakistan vs. Hong Kong at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong (06:00 PKT)
- June 17: Pakistan vs. India A at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong (10:30 PKT)
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