- Pakistan’s women’s cricket team aims for a third gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
- They enter the quarter-finals with high spirits after a historic whitewash against South Africa.
- Nida Dar, the team’s captain, expresses determination to bring home another gold medal.
Pakistan women’s cricket team is gearing up for a shot at their third gold medal as they commence their Asian Games 2023 journey. Tomorrow, they will face Indonesia in a quarter-final showdown at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou, China. Pakistan secured a direct spot in the quarters due to their position among the top four ICC-ranked teams in the continent. The tournament will feature the fast-paced T20 format.
Under the leadership of Nida Dar, the team arrives with a surge of confidence following a historic whitewash against South Africa on home turf earlier this month. Pakistan has a remarkable track record in the Asian Games, clinching gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 editions.
Expressing the team’s enthusiasm, Dar stated,
“The team is in high spirits, and every player is looking forward to the Asian Games. After two days of practice here in Hangzhou, we are all set to play Indonesia tomorrow. The Asian Games hold a special place in our hearts, and we are determined to bring home another gold medal.”
She further emphasized the advantage of entering the tournament fresh from a comprehensive T20I series victory against South Africa, noting that the team is eager to showcase their skills on the field once again.
The semi-finals are scheduled for September 24, with the final showdown set to take place on September 25. On the same day as the final, a battle for the bronze medal will unfold at 0900 local time.
The squad comprises notable players such as Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Muneeba Ali, among others. The team is supported by a dedicated support staff, including team manager Ayesha Ashhar, interim head coach Mauhtashim Rashid, bowling coach Saleem Jaffer, batting coach Taufiq Umar, and physiotherapist Rifat Gill.
Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani
Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).
Also, see:
Not possible, says Indian sports minister on Pak vs Ind bilateral series
