Karachi, The Pakistan women’s cricket team, led by Nida Dar, is set to depart for New Zealand tonight. The 17-member squad will travel from Karachi to New Zealand via Dubai, embarking on a tour that includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the team’s tour is part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. To acclimatize to New Zealand conditions, the team will play two warm-up matches before the T20I series begins. These matches, a 50-over game against NZXI on 28 November and a T20 on 30 November at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, will be live-streamed.
The T20I series is scheduled for 3, 5, and 9 December in Dunedin and Queenstown, while the ODI series will take place from 12 to 18 December in Queenstown and Christchurch. Prior to their departure, the Pakistan women’s team underwent a four-day training camp in Karachi, focusing on net sessions, match scenarios, and a one-day practice game.
Nida Dar expressed confidence in the team’s composition and potential, highlighting the return of players like Fatima Sana and Shawaal Zulfiqar, and the emerging talent Umm-e-Hani. She emphasized the team’s preparation and aspirations for a strong performance in New Zealand.
The Pakistan squad for the tour comprises Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar. The player support personnel include Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), and others.
The series schedule is lined up with both warm-up and official matches, marking a significant tour for the Pakistan women’s cricket team as they compete in the ICC Women’s Championship and aim to strengthen their standing in international women’s cricket.