Pakistan to kick start Women's U19 T20 World Cup campaign against USA

The ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup is set to commence on Saturday in Johor, Malaysia. Sixteen teams from across the globe will battle it out in the 41-match tournament, where the emerging stars of women’s cricket will showcase their talent during 15 days of fierce competition, running from January 18 to February 2, 2025.

Pakistan will launch its campaign against the USA, with the match scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM local time at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval, Johor, Malaysia. The Green Shirts enter the tournament following a mixed performance in their warm-up matches, having secured an 11-run victory over Nigeria in their first game but suffering a 54-run defeat to Australia in their second.

This marks the second edition of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Defending champions India are eager to retain their title, having claimed the inaugural tournament by defeating England by seven wickets. In contrast, Pakistan’s journey in the first edition concluded in the Super Eight stage.

Pakistan will face England on 20 January and Ireland on 22 January at the same venue. At the end of the group stage, top three teams from each of the four groups A, B, C and D will progress to the Super Six stage. The bottom-ranked sides from Groups A and D, and B and C will contest in last place play-off on 24 January.

Pakistan’s skipper, Komal Khan, expressed her confidence in the team’s preparations, stating, “We have prepared well for the World Cup, and all the players are excited to perform in the event.”

“I feel the ultimate target will be to bring our best to the middle when we face USA, England and Ireland in our group matches and then look to convert the results in our favor,” she added.

Groups

Group A: India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Group B: England, Ireland, Pakistan, USA
Group C: New Zealand, Nigeria, Samoa, South Africa
Group D: Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Scotland

Pakistan squad:

Komal Khan (captain), Zoofishan Ayyaz (vice-captain), Aleesa Mukhtiar, Areesha Ansari, Fatima Khan, Haniah Ahmer, Maham Anees, Mahnoor Zeb, Memoona Khalid, Minahil, Quratulain, Ravail Farhan, Shahar Bano, Tayyaba Imdad and Wasifa Hussain

Pakistan fixtures (All matches at JCA Oval, Johor)

vs USA – 18 January

vs England – 20 January

vs Ireland – 22 January