Pakistan women team gears up for T20I series against New Zealand

By our correspondent

The Pakistan women's cricket team is ready to take on their New Zealand counterparts in a three-match T20I series, kicking off at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon.

The series will be followed by three ODIs, part of the ICC Women's Championship, scheduled to take place from December 12 to 18 in Queenstown and Christchurch. All matches will begin at 1300 local time.

Since arriving in New Zealand on November 25, the Pakistan women's team has been engaged in training sessions and practice games in Christchurch and Dunedin. They concluded a three-hour training session Saturday under the guidance of the coaching staff at the University of Otago Oval.

New Zealand holds an undefeated record against Pakistan in their eight T20I encounters to date. Pakistan's left-arm spinners, Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, in the ICC Women's T20I rankings, are eager to make significant contributions to the team's performance. Nashra is just one match away from completing her 50th T20I appearance for Pakistan. Captain Nida Dar holds the fifth position in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.

Speaking on the eve of the series, captain Nida Dar expressed her confidence in the team's abilities: "New Zealand is renowned for their cricketing excellence, and we respect that. However, we are here to compete, and I have faith in the players who can make a positive impact for the team in this series.

"We view this T20I series as an opportunity for our players to test their skills against one of the world's most formidable sides. Recently, we have provided opportunities to a number of young players, with five making their debuts this year and being part of the touring squad.

"Our focus is on next year's T20 World Cup, and with at least nine T20Is scheduled before the mega event, the series against New Zealand provides us with a chance to finalize our team combination for next year's tournament.

"The series against New Zealand also allows us to assess our strengths and identify areas for improvement. It's a valuable experience, and I am confident that the players have gained a good understanding of the conditions here after playing practice matches and participating in training sessions."

The Pakistan women's team is determined to challenge New Zealand and showcase their talent on the international stage. The series promises to be an exciting spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

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

Series schedule:

3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin (1pm local time)

5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin (1pm local time)

9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown (1pm local time)

12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (11am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

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

18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)