Pakistan’s unbeaten run in 2025 faces its first real test with the news that Sadaf Shamas, the dynamic 26-year-old top-order batter, will miss the all-important T20I series against Ireland, slated to commence on August 6 in Dublin. A training mishap in Karachi has left the promising batter nursing a muscle tear, ruling her out of what was expected to be a keenly contested three-match series.
For Sadaf Shamas, whose consistency and aggression at the top have anchored Pakistan’s resurgent campaign this year, the timing couldn’t be more unfortunate. Fresh off a flawless series of wins during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, Pakistan now find themselves recalibrating their balance as they gear up to face an in-form Ireland side on their home turf.
Stepping into Sadaf’s shoes is 20-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar, a burgeoning talent who was on the fringes after impressing in the Karachi skills camp. Though relatively new to the demands of international cricket, with just seven T20Is and three ODIs under her belt, Shawaal has shown glimpses of her ability to adapt and absorb pressure. She will join the squad after making her way from Lahore to Karachi, slotting into the team set to depart for Dublin on August 3.
For Shawaal, this is a golden opportunity to cement her place in a batting lineup that will rely on collective firepower in Sadaf’s absence. The youngster’s natural flair and quick scoring could offer Pakistan a different dimension, even as they recalibrate their plans.
Captain Fatima Sana will marshal a squad brimming with both experience and youthful hunger. Alongside seasoned campaigners like Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and Diana Baig, and promising talent such as Eyman Fatima and Najiha Alvi, Pakistan’s depth will be truly tested against a formidable Ireland, who themselves are riding high after a white-ball clean sweep over Zimbabwe.
With the series being played in Dublin from August 6 to 10, the psychological edge of an unbeaten 2025 is both a badge of honour and a mantle of pressure. Fatima Sana and her unit will be desperate to uphold their winning streak despite this untimely setback.
The loss of Sadaf Shamas is more than just a numerical gap in the top order; it is a challenge to Pakistan’s ability to absorb adversity and find match-winners in the ranks. Youngsters like Shawaal Zulfiqar now have a genuine opening to etch their names in the selectors’ good books ahead of bigger tournaments.
Pakistan’s Squad for Ireland T20Is:
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar
With their mettle set to be tested against an equally buoyant Irish team, the upcoming series promises high drama and a crucial few days for the future of Pakistan women’s cricket. The focus may be on the missing Sadaf Shamas, but the series now also shines the spotlight on those ready to step up in her absence.
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