Women’s cricket: ‘Pakistan is a force to reckon with’

PCB announces 14-player squad for World Twenty20

KARACHI: The days have gone when Pakistan Women were considered minnows ahead of major tournaments, said team manager Ayesha Ashar, as the national squad for the 2012 World Twenty20 was announced.

Ashar added that the girls, in a major change in attitude, are targeting the title and are determined to do better that before. Pakistan are currently on tour of Ireland and England where they won a tri-series in Dublin, featuring the hosts besides Bangladesh. While they have never been regarded as the powerhouse, the team manager said that recent progress has increased the players’ confidence.

“We’re an improved side,” Ashar told The Express Tribune from Dublin. “A review of our performance will show that the graph has gone up. We’ve defeated teams like South Africa and West Indies, which seemed a far cry in the past.  Our team is now balanced and the maiden century by Nain Abidi speaks a lot about the progress.

“Our players are upbeat after winning the tri-series and they’re eyeing the World Twenty20 title.”

Ashar was also satisfied with team’s preparation ahead of the tournament.

“This tour has helped us a lot. The conditions in Ireland are very difficult in comparison to Sri Lanka. We will also be up against our World T20 group sides, England and the West Indies, later this week.”

Sana to lead team

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has retained Sana Mir as captain in the mega event, besides announcing an almost unchanged squad that is currently touring Ireland. Sumaiya Siddiqui, who was put among the reserved players for the ongoing tour, has been added to the squad.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2012.