Sports Desk
Canberra: Bismah Maroof led Pakistan women’s team is all set to start their ICC T20 World Cup campaign in Australia on a strong note as they take on West Indies in their first match tomorrow (26 February) in Canberra.
Bismah, who will be leading the national team in a world event for the very first time, eyes a semi-final berth in the mega event. The girls in green are placed in Group B alongside England, South Africa, Thailand and West Indies.
With a blend of young and experienced players, Pakistan looks quite strong for the extravaganza. Starting off with Muneeba Ali, the left-handed opener, who has topped the highest run-scorers chart in recently concluded National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship.
She had scored 292 runs, including a century and three half-centuries, at an average of 58.40. Alongside her, there is yet another exciting young talent in Ayesha Naseem, a 16-year-old power-hitter who can make full advantage of the powerplay.
Two of the experienced Pakistani batters in the side, Bismah, and Javeria Khan are also must-watch players in the event. Bismah has over 2,000 runs and has the most half-centuries (11) in 106 T20Is from Pakistan. Whereas, Javeria is the second-highest run-getter for Pakistan in the respective format with 1,744 in 97 T20Is.
Nida Dar, who has 1,086 runs and 92 wickets at an average of 17.82 in 98 T20Is, provides the desired shorter-format experience.
Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Aroob Shah, boost the bowling department of Pakistan.
Schedule for Pakistan’s matches:
26 February – West Indies v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)
28 February – England v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)
1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST)
3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)
