The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced the women’s squad for the historic series against South Africa. For the first time, the Proteas will be touring Pakistan to compete in a three-match T20I and ODI series in Karachi.
The excitement among fans is palpable. These are thrilling times for Pakistan women’s cricket. After this historic series on home soil, the girls in green will represent Pakistan at the Asian Games.
In this article, we’ll review the women’s squad set to commence the series on September 1st in Karachi.
Nida Dar will lead her team in this historic series, marking her first assignment as captain. The accomplished all-rounder recently took over the reins from Bismah Maroof.
Under-19 stars ready to shine in Historic Series
Shawal Zulfiqar, an 18-year-old talent, has been given her maiden T20I call-up and is also selected for the Asian Games, which starts the following month.
The promising leg-spinner, Aroob Shah, has returned to the national squad after a three-year hiatus. Her recent performances in the under-19 World Cup, domestic competitions, and the Emerging Asia Cup have been exceptional.
Anoosha Nasir also made her place in T20i reserves.
The Return of Injured Diana Baig
Diana Baig, the right-arm frontline pacer, returns to the side after recovering from a finger injury as she missed out on international cricket for more than six months. It is a glad sight as Pakistan will face a formidable South African side in this historic home series.
Besides Diana, all-rounder Natalia Parvaiz, who last played for Pakistan in 2018, has made her way back into the T20I team and is also a reserve for the ODI side.
No Tuba Hassan for Historic Series?
Despite Tuba’s impressive performance, she only found a spot in the ODI reserve list. The leg spinner has only played 21 T20Is and she has taken 17 wickets which also includes impressive performance in the last year’s Asia Cup.
Aimen Anwar, Javeria Khan, Ayesha Naseem (who has retired from international cricket), Sidra Nawaz are other notable exclusions from the T20I squad that competed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
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.”
He further said,“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 Squads for the Historic Series:
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.
Schedule for the Historic Series:
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
