After securing a historic victory in New Zealand with a 2-1 win in the T20I series, the Pakistan women’s team is now preparing for the ODI series, a segment of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
Following yesterday's third T20I, the Pakistan women’s team engaged in an optional training session this morning at Queenstown's John Davies Oval.
During this training session, batters and bowlers refined their skills under the guidance of former Test cricketers Taufeeq Umar and Saleem Jaffar, who respectively serve as batting and bowling coaches.
The inaugural ODI is set to take place at Queenstown's John Davies Oval on Tuesday, commencing with the first ball at 11 am local time. The subsequent second and third ODIs will be day-night fixtures hosted in Christchurch on 15th and 18th December. Both matches are slated to commence at 2 pm local time.
Following today's training session, Saleem Jaffar, speaking to PCB Digital, expressed, “The credit must be given to the players for adapting to the conditions here. It’s commendable for the bowlers to adapt to the wind conditions. The batters have complemented the bowlers well, playing to their strengths, and the fielders have excelled in the fielding department.
“We are now focused on the ODIs, which are crucial as they are part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Following our T20I series win, we will try to win the ODI series as well.
“Fatima Sana has put in tremendous effort after returning from injury. She has bowled long spells in training and prepared for the T20I series through practice games. It was heartened to see her receive the player of the series award for her outstanding performance in the T20I series.”
Commenting on Sadia Iqbal being shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month for November, the bowling coach said, “It is a proud moment for Sadia, and an achievement for the Board. The spin bowling department is our strength and as a bowling coach, I believe that regardless of the pitch conditions, bowling in the right areas makes it challenging for the batters. Our spinners have displayed discipline and bowled according to the field placements, which is very good.”
The ex-fast bowler, who also chairs the women's selection committee, was questioned about his take on the progress of young players. He remarked, “The PCB and Women’s Wing are dedicated to the growth of women’s cricket. Camps are organised for emerging and U19 cricketers and currently, a camp for 29 probable U19 women cricketers is underway. I foresee a significant number of talented batters and bowlers emerging for the women’s side in the next three to four years.”
Pakistan squad for ODI series:
Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar
ODI series schedule:
12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (11am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)