The PCB has officially announced Pakistan’s Women’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia and the approaching Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 that is scheduled to take place in South Africa from 10th to 26th February 2023.
Pakistan National Women’s team Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal addressed the media and announced the squads. Interestingly, Bismah Mahroof has been named as the captain even after an internal debate and public noise. Mahroof’s appointment has once again displayed the faith of PCB and the selectors in the veteran batter.
Notably, emerging all-rounder Kainat Imtiaz has been added to the reserves. The squads for the bilateral series and the T-20 World Cup were finalized after the joint consultation of Asmavia Iqbal, Interim Head Coach Saleem Jaffer and incumbent skipper Bismah Mahroof.
Diana Baig & Sadia Baig receives a call-up in the Squad
The shadow of injuries was looming over Pakistan’s bowling attack in recent times. However, in a major breakthrough, ace bowlers have stormed into the squad after recovering from their injuries. Pacer Diana Baig and spinner Sadia Baig are back and have been named in the ODI as well as the T-20 squads whereas leg-spinner Tuba Hassan will join the squad for the T-20 World Cup.
Pakistan Women’s revival in international cricket has been noteworthy since they were unbeaten at the ICC championship matches that can ensure their direct qualification for the 50-over World Cup. In view of this, the series against Australia can be crucial for Women in Green.
In the prestigious T20 World Cup 2023, Pakistan Women’s team is placed in Group 2 alongside arch-rivals India, England, Ireland, and West Indies. Pakistan will face off a challenging battle against India in their inaugural fixture on February 12 at Newlands.
Pakistan will travel to Australia for a three-match ODI and T-20I series that is scheduled to start on January 16. The players will undergo a specialized training camp that will take place in Lahore in December end and the first week of January in Karachi.
Here is Pakistan Women’s squad:
ODI squad for the Australia series:
Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Sidra Ameen, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz (wk)
Pakistan Women’s Squad for T20 World Cup
Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk)