Pakistan Women’s squads announced for white-ball assignments against South Africa

Pakistan Women’s cricket team. (Photo Source: Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Pakistan Women’s team will be returning to action with a three-match T20I series against South Africa, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series. The Asian side played their last international game against England in the Women’s T20 World Cup in February. After a long gap, it will be interesting to see how the ‘Women in Green’ fare against a talented South African side.

The Proteas, on the other hand, also played their last game in the T20 World Cup as they lost to the mighty Australian side in the final by 19 runs. Pakistan national women team’s chief selector Saleem Jaffar announced a 15-player squad for the T20Is as well as the ODIs. Talented teenager Shawaal Zulfiqar, who has also been included in Pakistan’s squad for next month’s Asian Games, has been picked for the three T20Is. Experienced Pakistani pacer Diana Baig returns to the side after being sidelined for over six months due to a finger injury.

Veteran all-rounder Nida Dar will be leading the side after taking over the reins from Bismah Maroof, who relinquished captaincy following the T20 World Cup debacle. The teams were finalised after discussions between Saleem and captain Nida.

Syeda Aroob Shah and Natalia Parvaiz stage comebacks in T20I squad

19-year-old all-rounder Syeda Aroob Shah, who played her last international match in 2020, returned to the T20I side. Natalia Parvaiz has also found a place in the squad after playing her last game for Pakistan almost five years ago. Speaking on their inclusion, Saleem Jaffar praised the duo’s recent performances and improved fitness levels.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to bring Syeda Aroob Shah and Natalia Parvaiz back into the fold in the T20I format. Their recent performances and improved fitness have been remarkable, and we believe they will bring a new dimension to the team,” Saleem said in a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Pakistan T20I squad for South Africa series: Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani

Reserves – Anoosha Nasir, Omaima Sohail, and Waheeda Akhtar

Pakistan ODI squad for South Africa series: Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar

Reserves – Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, and Tuba Hassan