Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup Squad Braces for High-Stakes Encounter with India

The Pakistan Women’s cricket team is gearing up for its opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where they will face off against long-time rivals India at the Newlands in Cape Town. Skipper Bismah Maroof will lead the side for the second time, following her successful stint as captain in the previous edition of the tournament, held in Australia in 2020.

Opener Javeria Khan and veteran all-rounder Nida Dar are among the experienced members of the squad, with eight World Cup appearances between them. Speaking to PCB Digital, Dar expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and their chances in the tournament. “Despite not winning matches against Australia, we still learned a lot from that series that will help us perform well in the World Cup,” said Dar.

Pakistan finds itself in a competitive group, which also features England, Ireland, and West Indies. Dar emphasized the importance of taking things one game at a time and striving to reach the semi-finals. The squad comprises a balanced mix of young and experienced players, with the former adding enthusiasm and energy to the team dynamic.

One of the most highly-anticipated fixtures of the tournament is the India-Pakistan match, a contest that has a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. “The India-Pakistan game does not need any special occasion to draw attention,” said Dar. “It is about controlling nerves and enjoying the thrill of playing in such high-stakes matches.” Pakistan’s record against India in T20Is is not in their favor, with only three wins in 13 matches.

Pakistan Squad:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, with reserves Ghulam Fatima and Kainat Imtiaz. The player support staff includes Aisha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach and interim head coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital content manager), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Hafiz Salman Asif (team doctor), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst), and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).