A few days out from Pakistan women’s cricket team’s tour of South Africa, the national selection committee chose off-spinning all-rounder Umm-e-Hani to replace Rameen Shamim who suffered an injury and is replaced in both ODI and T20I matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the change on February 3, ensuring the team stays battle ready.
During a training session at National Bank Stadium, Rameen Shamim, who plays for Pakistan’s spin department suffered a left-hand thumb IPJ dislocation. The injury rules her out for four to six weeks, with rehab kicking off immediately. The 30-year-old suffered a setback, but the selectors quickly moved to fill the vacancy.
Umm-e-Hani steps up from her new position as captain to lead Pakistan Women’s ‘A’ at ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars. The 24-year-old brings solid credentials: in 8 WT20Is, she’s snared 4 wickets at an economy of 5.26, with best figures of 1/12; across 14 WODIs, she’s claimed 16 wickets, peaking at 3/20. Hani’s all-round abilities can strengthen the team, particularly because South African conditions support spin bowling.
Hani will be replaced in the ‘A’ squad by Omaima Sohail. Sohail is 28 years old right-hand batter and right arm off break bowler who has featured in 55 WT20Is and scored 481 runs at the strike rate of 84 alongside 18 wickets under her name, while Hafsa Khalid takes the captaincy helm for the 20-over tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
The T20I squad jets off to South Africa on February 7, building momentum after the recent series. The ‘A’ team will travel to Bangkok on February 10 to demonstrate Pakistan’s strong presence in women’s cricket.
The PCB uses player flexibility as a foundation to their strategy which requires them to manage numerous matches during their operational period. Hani’s control and hitting abilities will help her team during close matches.
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