Pakistan women gear up for ICC World Cup with South Africa series

As the countdown to the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins, Pakistan women’s cricket team is set to finalize its preparations with a crucial three-match home series against South Africa beginning next week at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The matches are scheduled for September 16, 19, and 22, and are expected to serve as Pakistan’s final tune-up ahead of the global event. South Africa is slated to arrive in Lahore on Friday (tomorrow).

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup will be held from September 30 to November 2, with matches to be played in India and Colombo. A total of eight teams will compete in a single league format, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals. Pakistan will play all their group stage matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Since making their World Cup debut in 1997, Pakistan’s women’s team has struggled to make an impact on the global stage. In their inaugural campaign, they failed to register a single win. The 2022 edition in New Zealand also proved disappointing with Pakistan losing six out of their seven matches, their only win coming against the West Indies.

Now under a revamped setup and renewed focus Pakistan hopes to change that narrative.

The team concluded its final training session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Thursday.

Head coach and former Test cricketer Mohammad Wasim expressed optimism about the squad’s form and readiness.

“The team is looking in good shape. I have always said that Pakistan suits the ODI format more. We have a lot of hope going into the World Cup,” Wasim told reporters.

Wasim emphasized that the best possible squad has been selected with a clear strategy focusing on spin bowling, historically an area of strength for Pakistan.

“We have four seam options but our main strength lies in our spin attack. We have world-class spinners and even in the World Cup qualifiers our pacers performed well. Based on team balance and conditions in Sri Lanka, we have picked the best 15-member squad,” he added.

He also highlighted that the team has been trained to handle pressure situations better which could help narrow the gap with the world’s top teams.

Team captain and frontline pacer Fatima Sana shared her thoughts on the upcoming series and the World Cup challenge.

“The team momentum is good. All players are in great shape and we will try to carry this momentum into the World Cup,” Fatima said.

She emphasized the importance of the South Africa series in fine-tuning the team’s combination and strategies.

“This series is crucial and gives us an edge before entering the World Cup. It’s a chance to execute our plans and test combinations. We will do our best to win the series,” she said.

Pakistan squad:

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

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