After a few years’ absences, the women’s Asia Cup has marked its return and the upcoming (2022) edition is reportedly scheduled to be played from the 1st to the 16th of October at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh. The tournament this time around will have 7 teams contest for the Cup that India has dominated over 7 editions with 6 wins.
As reported earlier; India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and hosts Bangladesh are the nations participating in the upcoming edition. All teams are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on the 27 and 28th of September.
Pakistan has announced their squad for the Asia Cup which sees Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz earn recalls and uncapped Sadaf Shamas named in the 15-player squad. Omissions from Pakistan’s recent tour of Ireland and the Commonwealth Games see Anam Amin, Gul Feroza and Iram Javed miss the cut.
Pakistan’s squad for Asia Cup :
Bismah Maroof (C), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (WK), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (WK), Tuba Hasan
Reserve players :
Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Owing to a shoulder injury, left-arm orthodox Nashra Sundhu who had missed out on the Tri-series and the Commonwealth Games squads is back in the mix. The 15-player squad and the reserves are scheduled to undergo a 10-day camp at Lahore Country Club, Muridke from the 18th to the 27th of September and will then board the flight to Bangladesh on the 28th of September.
Selector Asmavia Iqbal on the 15-player squad named, said, “I want to congratulate the 15 players selected for the all-important Asia Cup next month. These players have been selected after observing their performances in the recent practice matches in Lahore.”
🇵🇰Pakistan’s squad has been announced for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup to be held in Bangladesh next month
What are your thoughts? #CricketTwitter #AsiaCup2022 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/vtSdDBkO1w
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 8, 2022
On returns of Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz said, “Sidra Amin has been in good form of late. She did well in the practice matches and became only the second Pakistan women batter to score two ODI centuries recently. Her presence at the top of the order will instil stability. We have also selected an additional keeper in Sidra Nawaz because of the long duration of the tournament. On these tracks, we need a specialist wicketkeeper as a backup for Muneeba Ali, in case she becomes unavailable.”
Asmavia on uncapped Sadaf Shamas selection said, “Sadaf Shamas did extraordinary well in the recent practice matches and we feel this was the right time to elevate her to the national side. I am sure she will prove to be a good addition to the national side. Her ability to bat in the middle order and bowl medium fast makes her a good fit in the side and promises to provide balance to the playing XI whenever she gets her chance.”
On the trio missing out from the side’s previous tours, Asmavia said, “I had detailed conversations with the players who have been dropped. The decision to leave them out was taken considering their recent form and the conditions our team will encounter. They understand the areas they need to work on and I am sure they will continue to put in the hard yards and stage a strong comeback.”
Among the seven teams set to play, UAE and Malaysia have booked their berths through the qualifying route after entering the final of the 10-team ACC Women’s T20 Championship that took place in June. UAE remained undefeated and finished as champions in the competition, handing a 5-wicket defeat to hosts Malaysia.