Cricket: ‘We aim to win the World Twenty20’

Pakistan women’s team coach outlines improvements, aims.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan women’s cricket team is now capable of a good show against England, New Zealand and India after showing improvement in the last few months, according to coach Mohtashim Rasheed.

Karachi is currently playing host to the women’s Twenty20 triangular event with the view to give the players practise ahead of the 2013 World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka and Rasheed believes that Pakistan will go into this event as title-contenders and not mere participants.

“The team has learned very quickly and it can now do well against top sides like England, New Zealand and India,” Rasheed told The Express Tribune.

“We won’t go to the World Twenty20 as just participants. We’re taking part to win it.”

Rasheed added that while the standard had improved with time, several good performers have also been shortlisted as they have the potential to become an integral part of the national setup in the future. The coach also added that following the team’s 2010 Asian Games triumph, more departments should invest in the players as that will help motivate them.

Pakistan will head to Ireland and England for their World Twenty20 preparation. Ireland will be hosting a tri-series also involving Bangladesh in August and Pakistan will take on England’s Women Academy and the West Indies in England the following month.

“It’ll be a good opportunity to play against a top side like England in tough conditions. These tough series can help a team to raise their its game and help gauge where they stand before a mega event. Hopefully, the players will take full advantage of the opportunity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2012.