Pakistan ranks among the middle-of-the-road nations in the world rankings for women’s cricket. It is a better team than some of the lower-ranked nations, but it doesn’t seem to be able to compete with the top teams in the T20 format.
This was particularly clear in their most recent series, which they just finished up against Australia. Pakistan was no match for the Australians, despite only getting to play two of the three T20 matches that were scheduled (the third being called off due to rain).
What could we expect?
The national women’s team switched its focus on the biggest women’s cricket competition of the year, which will take place from February 10 to 26 after a disastrous tour of Australia. The world cup-bound team will have a rest day on Thursday following their arrival before beginning training on Friday.
Pakistan is grouped with India, England, Ireland, and West Indies in a competition of ten teams. Since the beginning of the year, Pakistan’s T20I performance has been inconsistent, with 10 wins and 9 losses in 21 games.
As they attempt to advance past the group stage for the first time in the tournament, Pakistan must find some consistency if they are to have a successful T20 World Cup.
They should feel confident after their recent triumph against the hosts, and they have the advantage because of their 14-4 winning record versus Ireland. Pakistan may be able to sneak a victory over the West Indies given their recent performance, which has seen them lose all 10 of their T20Is.
The time is right for Pakistan as a team to begin their ascent in T20 international cricket. They lack the expertise of Diana Baig, who is missing due to a finger injury, but they still have enough firepower in their ranks to make up for it.
On February 12, the Green Shirts will play their first game against their bitter rivals India, followed by matches against England, the West Indies, and Ireland.
Australia are a level beyond any team Pakistan will initially encounter in the World Cup, but Pakistan needs to improve its performance against the Australians if it wants to be competitive and on par with the best.
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s road to success in this World Cup is not an easy one.
They shouldn’t really come in the bottom place in their group but placing in one of the top two slots in the group might be a step too far.
Players to watch out for in Pakistan:
Pakistan for this competition is teamed up of both young and seasoned players, but it still boasts a lot of talented players. The team is captained by the highly seasoned Bismah Maroof, and players like Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail will be eager to build on their strong performances against Australia at the World Cup.
Nida Dar:
With bowlers like Dar, Fatima Sana, and Nashra Sandhu among others in the ranks, Pakistan’s bowling already possessed a great deal of variety before Tuba Hassan’s ascent.
Along with the potential firepower that Dar and Ayesha Naseem could provide, Maroof has dependable players in Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali, and Omaima Sohail on the batting side.
Bismah Maroof:
In her second T20 World Cup as captain, Bismah Maroof will be hopeful that her team can come together to create something spectacular at the event. The squad has the ideal balance of youth and experience.
Fatima Sana:
Another important bowler for Pakistan who will contribute during the competition is Fatima Sana. With Diana Baig suffering a finger injury during the Australia series, Pakistan was dealt a blow in the bowling department on the eve of the competition.
Sadaf Shamas:
Right-handed batsman Sadaf Shamas has taken Baig’s spot in the Pakistani team. Shamas impressed at North Sydney Oval with useful innings of 30 against Australia at the top of the order. During the 16-day competition, Shamas will give Pakistan an additional batting option, while Baig’s departure will deprive the Asian nation of one of their most reliable bowlers.
Pakistan squad:
Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan.
Travelling Reserves:
Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz
Pakistan’s Itinerary:
12th February 2023: Pakistan vs India
15th February 2023: Pakistan vs Ireland
19th February 2023: Pakistan vs West Indies
21st February 2023: Pakistan vs England
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