Pak women look to overcome Englandin limited-overs series

LAHORE: With Pakistan women looking to keep alive their chances of securing direct qualification in the ICC Women’s Championship and England women seeking to maintain an impeccable record against them, the seventh round fixtures of the ICC Women’s Championship, which commence on December 9, promises to keep fans at the edge of their seats.

Pakistan are fifth, with 15 points, in the eight-team ICC Women’s Championship – a point below fourth-ranked South Africa – and will be eager to make history in the three ODIs at Kuala Lumpur’s Kinrara Oval by securing their maiden win over England in international 50-over cricket.

The three ODIs present six crucial points, which will not only help Pakistan to break into top-four on the points table but also push their case for the automatic qualification for the 50-over ICC Women’s World Cup New Zealand 2021 in which the hosts plus four other top sides will secure direct berths.

Heather Knight’s England, who are ranked second and are guaranteed a spot, have won seven out of 12 games in 2019. They rolled over West Indies and Sri Lanka women to win the two series 3-0, but enter the series at the back of a 3-0 sweep by Australia at home.

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said: “England present a big challenge for us and we are aware of it. But we have prepared well for the series. There are crucial ICC Women’s Championship points on offer because of which girls are pumped up for the series. “We have youngsters and new faces in the side. I am hopeful we will surprise England.”