Pakistan aim for good show at ICC Women's World Cup

Although Pakistan have historically struggled in ICC Women’s ODI World Cups, recent development and growth of the women’s national team offer renewed hope for an improved performance in the upcoming global tournament which begins tomorrow (Tuesday) in India and Colombo.

The eight-team event will see Pakistan open their campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh in Colombo where they will play all of their group-stage matches during the month-long competition.

Captain and fast bowler Fatima Sana expressed confidence in her team's preparation and potential.

“Our preparations for the World Cup have been focused and purposeful. We worked hard on the areas that needed improvement and it's encouraging to see the progress we have made. This journey really began during the Qualifiers where we had a strong campaign, winning all our matches to secure our place in this mega event,” Fatima said.

She added that the team has shown commitment during training sessions in Colombo.

“The conditions here are quite similar to those back home in Pakistan, which has helped us adjust quickly,” she said.

Regarding the team’s warm-up games Fatima noted the missed opportunity due to weather.

“It was unfortunate that the warm-up match against Sri Lanka was washed out due to rain. That would have been valuable preparation against the home side, who are familiar with these conditions. However, the match against South Africa allowed us to test different combinations and gain more clarity.”

On her personal performance and the team’s development she added: “It was satisfying to spend time at the crease and score some runs, especially after the last series. While there’s always room for improvement, I’m pleased with how the squad has responded to challenges and how we continue to grow as a unit.”

Fatima emphasized the significance of the tournament:

“The World Cup is the biggest stage for us. We understand that consistency, discipline, and teamwork are essential to move forward. Our focus is to compete hard in every match, execute our plans effectively, and give our best to reach the knockout stage,” she said.

“Wearing the Pakistan shirt is an honour and every player in this squad understands the responsibility it brings. Our aim is to play positive cricket, rise to the big moments and make Pakistan proud, InshaAllah. We are all looking forward to the tournament,” she said.

Prior to the World Cup Pakistan hosted a three-match ODI series against South Africa in Lahore, which the visitors won 2-1.

Eyman Fatima, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Syeda Aroob Shah are set to make their ODI World Cup debut.

Pakistan Squad:

Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper), Syeda Aroob Shah

Non-traveling Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Player Support Personnel:

Hina Munawar (Manager), Muhammad Wasim (Head Coach), Junaid Khan (Assistant Coach - Bowling), Tahir Khan (Assistant Coach - Bowling), Abdul Saad (Fielding Coach), Muhammad Rafi Ullah (Media Manager), Muhammad Asfand Yar (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Waleed Ahmed (Analyst), Tehreem Sumbal (Physiotherapist), Kiran Shahzadi (Masseuse), Dr. Alvina Awan (Team Doctor)