The Pakistan women’s national cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup and the subsequent series against South Africa. The roster features 15 players, including the untested 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima, under the leadership of Fatima Sana, who will captain the team in her first World Cup appearance.
Pakistan’s preparations will begin with a home series against South Africa, consisting of three ODIs starting on September 16. This series will serve as a final tune-up before the World Cup kicks off on September 30. Notably, Sana previously led the team during the World Cup qualifiers held in Lahore earlier this year.
Eyman Fatima joins the squad after making her T20I debut against Ireland earlier this month. Although she played in three T20I matches, she batted only twice, managing scores of 23 and 4. She replaces Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, as both players have been designated as non-traveling reserves alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
Prior to the South Africa series, which includes a training camp starting August 29, the main squad and the five reserve players will undergo two weeks of preparation under head coach Muhammad Wasim. South Africa is expected to arrive in Lahore on September 12 for the ODIs.
The World Cup campaign for the Pakistan women’s team will commence on October 2, facing Bangladesh, followed by a high-stakes match against India on October 5. All seven league matches will take place in Colombo, with a potential semi-final following suit, should Pakistan progress. The second semi-final is scheduled in Navi Mumbai, while the grand final will occur either in Colombo or Navi Mumbai on November 2, depending on the success of the teams involved.
Pakistan Women’s Squad for ODI World Cup and South Africa ODIs
Players:
Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), Syeda Aroob Shah
Non-traveling Reserves:
Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
