Pak women's team can excel: Junaid

Pakistan women's cricket team's bowling coach, Junaid Khan, has expressed confidence in the team's ability to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. He believes the players have worked hard to minimize their weaknesses and are well-prepared for the qualifiers.

"The players have made an effort to overcome their weaknesses. Now, it will be interesting to see how they perform in the matches. The way they are playing, I am hopeful that Pakistan will qualify for the World Cup," Junaid Khan stated.

The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier is set to take place in Lahore from April 9.

Speaking during the training camp, Junaid Khan acknowledged the added pressure of playing at home. "There is always pressure when playing at home because the expectation is to perform at our best. We have worked not only on technical aspects but also on strengthening the players mentally," he said.

Junaid also pointed out that the lack of regular international series affects the team's performance.

"Women's cricket doesn't get many series, and match experience is always more beneficial than just training camps. However, the players are putting in great effort. PCB's decision to bring in modern-day coaches has been a good step, as players are now being trained according to modern cricket standards," he added.

Junaid Khan described the squad as well-balanced, with selections based on performance.

Lahore Blues clinch National T20 Cup

Lahore Blues secured their fifth National T20 Cup title with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Peshawar Region in the final.

The match, played in Faisalabad, saw Peshawar Region struggle with the bat as they posted 110/9 in their 20 overs.

Lahore Blues' bowlers dominated the innings, with Salman Mirza leading the attack by claiming four wickets. Muhammad Irfan picked up two, while Qasim Akram, Nisar Ahmed, and Muhammad Rizwan took one wicket each.