Pakistan women's team gear up for T20 World Cup

Dubai: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to commence tomorrow in the UAE, featuring 10 teams in a tournament lasting 18 days. The Pakistan women’s team has been placed in Group ‘A’ with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Group ‘B’ includes Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies.

Under the captaincy of Fatima Sana, the Pakistan women’s team will face Sri Lanka in their first match of the tournament tomorrow at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan will compete against their long-standing rivals, India, on October 6 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). They will then meet the reigning champions, Australia, on October 11 at the DICS, and their final group match will be against New Zealand on October 14 at the same venue.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for October 17 and 18, with the champion being crowned on October 20. The opening ball of the final, held at the DICS, is anticipated to be bowled at 6 PM local time.

Prior to the tournament, Pakistan participated in two warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh and engaged in several practice sessions to adapt to the playing conditions.

Captain Fatima Sana expressed confidence in her team’s preparations, believing they are ready to perform well in the tournament. She stated, “We have prepared thoroughly for this significant event. The series against South Africa at home before our arrival in the UAE helped us identify our strengths and allowed our batters to showcase their skills.

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The two practice matches have also been beneficial in evaluating the conditions here, providing us with a clear understanding of the best player combinations for the tournament.”

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan.

Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling), Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding), Abdul Rehman (spin bowling coach), Imran Khalil (strength and conditioning coach), Muhammad Rafiullah (media and digital manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), and Waleed Ahmed (analyst).