Women’s turn to embark on UK tour

Pakistan captain Sana optimistic as team departs for World Twenty20 qualifiers.

KARACHI: With the national men’s team returning empty-handed from the ICC Champions Trophy in England, their women counterparts are optimistic as they depart for the UK tour that will last over a month.

Pakistan Women stay in England from June 24 to July 10, contesting two One-Day Internationals (ODI) and as many Twenty20s against the home side besides an ODI and a couple of Twenty20s against Ireland.

The team will then visit Ireland to play another couple of ODIs and a Twenty20 before the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifiers begin on July 23 in Ireland. Sri Lanka and Ireland are the other main contenders, apart from the Associate Members, in the qualifiers where the winner books a place at the World Twenty20.

Part of the team’s preparations ahead of the UK tour included sessions with former Test cricketer Basir Ali, the team’s batting consultant, and coach Mohateshem Rasheed.

Pakistan captain Sana Mir was satisfied with the players’ preparations and was hopeful of a successful campaign.

“We’ve prepared well and the players are motivated,” said Mir ahead of the team’s departure. “The training camp was a lengthy one where we got ample opportunity to work on our weaknesses. We hope to give a good batting show as we’ve worked on it with Basit.”

The coach hoped the team would get used to the UK conditions soon.

“Getting used to the different conditions is a tough task but we’re hopeful,” said Rasheed. “The team has worked very hard despite the very warm weather in Lahore.

“We gave our best in preparing the team. They also played practice matches and in their last fixture they defeated a boys’ outfit that shows they are in good form.”

Manager Ayesha Ashar termed Pakistan as favourites to win the qualifying event.

“We have defeated Ireland and Sri Lanka in the past as well,” said Ayesha.

“The way the girls have responded in the camp and performed in the practice matches I’m confident that the team will return triumphant.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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