The Pakistan women’s cricket team is geared up for the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, aiming to showcase a strong performance as they commence their journey against Nepal at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Led by Fatima Sana, the team is set to participate in the eight-team tournament, which kicked off today.
Placed in Group A alongside Hong Kong, India A, and Nepal, Pakistan will face host Hong Kong and India A on 15th and 17th June, respectively, following their opening match. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for 19th June, with the final slated for 21st June.
Reflecting on the previous edition of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in 2019, where Pakistan failed to secure a victory in the four-team competition, captain Fatima, along with leg-spinners Tuba Hassan and Syeda Aroob Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, were part of the squad.
Apart from Fatima, six players have already represented the Pakistan women’s team in international cricket. The team comprises Gull Feroza, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e-Hani. Additionally, Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar have represented Pakistan U19 in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
The players, who recently participated in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament as part of the Strikers team, expressed their readiness for the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Captain Fatima emphasized the significance of teamwork, highlighting that each player’s role has been clearly defined.
While acknowledging the potential impact of individual brilliance, Fatima believes in the collective strength of the team. With a talented group of players, she aims to foster a unified effort, emphasizing the importance of each member’s contribution for the team’s success.
The ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup provides a valuable platform for young players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place in the senior side. Fatima considers it a golden opportunity for the emerging talents and expects them to seize the moment.
The squad, consisting of players like Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, and Syeda Aroob Shah, is supported by Aisha Jalil as the manager, Mohsin Kamal as the head coach, Muhammad Kamran Hussain as the assistant coach, Muhammad Usman Shahid as the analyst, and Rabia Siddiq as the physiotherapist.
With high hopes and a focus on teamwork, Pakistan’s women’s team is eager to make a strong impression in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and propel their journey towards success.
Also, see:
World Cup 2023 Qualifiers Squads for All Teams
