LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) women’s selection committee has retained the same team —- who recorded their maiden T20I series clean sweep against Sri Lanka — for their upcoming commitments in the United Kingdom during which they will compete in a tri-series in Ireland and Commonwealth Games in England. The squad was finalised after deliberations amongst Asmavia Iqbal, the national women team’s chief selector, head coach David Hemp and captain Bismah Maroof. Eighteen players have been announced for the two series, which include three reserve players: Ghulam Fatima, Sadaf Shamas and Umme Hani.
Pakistan will take on T20 world champions Australia and hosts Ireland in Belfast from July 16 to 24 and play Barbados, India and Australia in Commonwealth Games on July 29, 31 and August 3. Ahead of their departure to the UK on July 12, the team will undergo an extensive training session in Islamabad at House of Northern from July 1 to 11.
Chief selector Asmavia Iqbal said: “Following a successful series against Sri Lanka, we have decided to retain the same winning combination. Not only our senior cricketers in the side displayed great cricketing acumen also our youngsters were outstanding and have raised their hands whenever the team needed them to. We are delighted with the start Tuba Hassan has had to her international career and feel her leg-spin will be a potent weapon for us in the days ahead. Ayesha Naseem produced a match winning innings in the second match of the T20Is against Sri Lanka and proved her big-hitting ability. The tri-series in Ireland and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games will test the abilities of our players and I have all the belief in them that they will live up to the expectations and show consistent results.
Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan.
Pakistan’s fixtures:
Tri-series at Belfast
July 16 – vs Australia
July 19 – vs Ireland
July 23 – vs Australia
July 24 – vs Ireland
Commonwealth Games at Birmingham
July 29- vs Barbados
July 31- vs India
August 3 – vs Australia