Women’s World Twenty20: We have nothing to lose says coach

Women’s team aiming for the trophy and not fearing tough opposition, says captain.


Fawad Hussain September 20, 2012

KARACHI:
Their chances of winning the World Twenty20 may not be that high but the Pakistan Women’s squad, scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka earlier this morning, is still targeting the trophy after an improved show of late.

Eight teams are vying for the honour with Pakistan placed in Group A alongside Australia, India and England. Group B comprises New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

“The Pakistan team is witnessing a rapid rise,” coach Mohtashim Rasheed told The Express Tribune. “No doubt we have the top three teams in our group but this time we are going with a different attitude. Previously, we participated in such major events just for the sake of country’s representation but this time we are going with the trophy in sight.

“We have nothing to lose and this is giving us confidence to go all out against the other teams.”

He added that hard work and the presence of all-rounders in the side were pluses his team was banking on.

“The team spirit and the hard work by the players is giving me a lot of confidence. The positive thing in the team is the number of all-rounders who have improved their performance a lot. We have a balanced side as our batters have also developed an appetite to score runs and are in good form. These are the ingredients required in the shortest format in which any team can turn the tide against any opposition.”

Hardwork will yield positive results: captain

Meanwhile, captain Sana Mir said the assignment was tough but the players were well prepared for the event.

“We’ve been preparing for the event for a long time,” said the captain. “There will be no easy opposition but the team showed significant improvement on the recent Ireland tour and is determined for the World Twenty20 as well.”

Reaching semis first target, says manager

Team manager Ayesha Ashar said the team was targeting a step-by-step approach to the winner’s podium.

“The presence of top sides in our group is not a concern,” said Ayesha. “Any team can win in the shortest format. We’re confident of doing well.”

While the team got little chance for match practice due to torrential rain in Lahore, the players availed the time with tips coming from former cricketers including former captain Amir Sohail. The camp concluded with lectures from former captain Javed Miandad, while former coach and manager Intikhab Alam also gave tips.

Sana

“We’ve been preparing for the event for a long time. There will be no easy oppositions but the team showed significant improvement and is determined to do well.”

Mohtashim

“We have the top three teams in our group but this time we are going with a different attitude. The team spirit and the hard work is giving me a lot of confidence.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2012.

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