- Pakistan Women’s cricket team gears up for Asian Games 2023 after past gold medal wins.
- Intensive training sessions focus on fielding drills and skill refinement.
- India makes its debut in the competition; top-four teams set for direct quarter-final entry.
The Pakistan Women’s cricket team is gearing up for the highly anticipated Asian Games 2023, marking a significant return to the competition after their remarkable gold medal-winning performances in the 2010 and 2014 editions. The team’s preparations have kicked into high gear with intense training sessions recently held at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket field.
During these rigorous training sessions, the national players honed their skills through a combination of rigorous fielding drills and extensive net sessions. These efforts are all in anticipation of their upcoming quarter-final match on September 21, which will officially signal the start of their campaign at the Asian Games 2023.
Training ???? for the Pakistan women's team in Hangzhou, China ????????#AsianGames2023 | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/g2Js3D75dl
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 19, 2023
This year’s competition boasts eight formidable teams vying for medals in the women’s cricket tournament. Notably, India is making its debut in the continental meet, joining the ranks of top contenders like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. These top-four ranked teams, according to the ICC Women’s T20I rankings as of June 1, 2023, have secured direct entry into the quarter-final stage, setting the stage for some intense matchups.
For the remaining four teams, the preliminary round has them divided into two groups, where they will engage in round-robin matches and a quarter-final qualifier. The ultimate fixtures for the top eight teams will be determined through this competitive process.
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As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect an exciting showdown with the two losing semi-finalists battling it out for the bronze medal on September 25, while the gold medal match promises to deliver unparalleled cricketing drama on the same day.
In a recent series against South Africa, the Pakistan Women’s team faced formidable challenges. While the T20I series saw the hosts dominate with a whitewash, Pakistan made a stunning comeback in the ODI series, clinching victory with a 2-1 scoreline.
The standout moment of the series was a thrilling chase, where Pakistan comfortably reached a target of 186 runs, losing only two wickets and with a remarkable 72 balls to spare. Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof led the charge with an outstanding partnership, amassing 110 runs for the second wicket, with both players notching impressive half-centuries.
Sidra Ameen’s resilient 68-ball 68, featuring six boundaries, was a highlight before her dismissal in the 33rd over. Bismah Maroof remained unbeaten with 60 runs off 98 deliveries, including five boundaries, and was well-supported by Aliya Riaz (19*), guiding Pakistan to a commanding and memorable victory. The team’s recent performance undoubtedly adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding their participation in the Asian Games 2023.
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