Pakistan women look to bounce back in Asia Cup

LAHORE: The Pakistan women’s cricket team is set to take on Nepal in their ACC Women’s T20I Asia Cup match on Sunday (today).

Led by Nida Dar, the team is determined to make a strong comeback after their recent seven-wicket loss to India at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka.

A significant improvement in batting performance is crucial for Pakistan as they aim to challenge for the title. The match against Nepal is a crucial one, especially after Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the opening match against Harmanpreet Kaur-led team.

Nepal, on the other hand, enter the match with high confidence following a stunning victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE-W) in their opening game of the tournament. For Pakistan, this match is almost a do-or-die situation, while a win for Nepal could secure their spot in the semi-finals.

“Pakistan will need their batters to step up after a poor outing against the Harmanpreet Kaur’s side. The bowlers too looked light in the initial overs. They need to improve significantly to make it to the semis,” said Nida Dar.

She said that bowling first would be ideal and suggested that a target of over 145 runs could be competitive against Nepal, an opposition Pakistan will be facing for the first time in history.

One of the standout performers for Pakistan in their previous match was young spinner Syeda Aroob Shah. The 20-year-old impressed with the ball, conceding just nine runs in three overs and taking two crucial wickets of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The conditions are expected to favor spinners, which should make her role even more significant in the upcoming match.

Squad:

Nida Dar (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

Pakistan’s Group A fixtures (all matches to be played in Dambulla)

23 July: Pakistan vs UAE (1330 PKT).