Fatima returns as squad named for New Zealand tour

Fatima returns as squad named for New Zealand tour

Correspondent 

LAHORE: The Pakistan Women's Cricket Team has unveiled its 17-member squad for the upcoming tour to New Zealand. The squad is set to assemble in Karachi on Saturday, 18 November, and will undergo a comprehensive four-day training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi. The team is scheduled to depart for New Zealand from Karachi via Dubai on 24 November.

The Chief Selector, Saleem Jaffar, highlighted that strategic changes have been made in response to the challenges faced by the team's batters during the recent series in Bangladesh. Emphasizing the need for improvement in the batting department, two new inclusions have been made based on consistent performances for Pakistan A. Omaima Sohail and Shawaal Zulfiqar have earned their spots in the squad, aiming to address the identified concerns in the team's batting lineup.

Considering the playing conditions expected in New Zealand, the selection committee has placed a specific focus on strengthening the fast bowling department. The return of Fatima Sana, a seasoned player, is anticipated to bring experience and a valuable skill set to the team. The selectors express hope that her contributions will be crucial, especially in the challenging playing conditions expected during the New Zealand tour.

The squad is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on 24 November, with the journey originating from Karachi via Dubai. The players will have an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and strategies during the four-day training camp before embarking on the tour.

The announcement reflects a strategic approach to address the team's performance concerns and ensure a competitive edge during the upcoming tour against New Zealand.

Pakistan squad:

Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar

Player support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Muhammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst)

Series schedule:

3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin

5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin

9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown

12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (ICC Women’s Championship)

15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)

18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)