The 2024 Asia Cup is set to begin on 19th July and will continue until 28th July 2024. Sri Lanka will host this year’s Asia Cup, consisting of a total of 15 matches, including two semi-finals and the final. Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla will host all matches of the tournament.
The Asia Cup will feature 8 teams across two groups
|
Group A |
Group B |
|
India |
Sri Lanka |
|
Pakistan |
Bangladesh |
|
Nepal |
Malaysia |
|
UAE |
Thailand |
How is Pakistan placed for the Women’s Asia Cup 2024?
Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan will square off against every other team once in their group stage matches.
What are Pakistan’s fixtures?
|
Date |
Fixture |
Venue |
Time (In IST) |
|
19th July |
Vs India |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
7:00 PM |
|
21st July |
Vs Nepal |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
7:00 PM |
|
23rd July |
Vs UAE |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
2:00 PM |
How did Pakistan fare in the last Asia Cup 2022?
Pakistan had mixed performances in the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup. They finished third in the tournament, winning five out of their six matches in the group stage. Their campaign included victories against Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka but they suffered a surprising loss against Thailand. Pakistan narrowly missed out on reaching the final, losing to Sri Lanka in the semi-final. Throughout the tournament, Pakistan showcased their bowling strength, with Nida Dar emerging as a standout performer.
In the history of the Women’s Asia Cup, Pakistan has been a consistent participant but hasn’t yet got hands on the title but has reached the semi-final or equivalent stage in most editions. Pakistan’s performances have generally been strong against the emerging Asian teams, but they have often struggled against the more established sides like India and Sri Lanka. Their best finish to date has been as runners-up, highlighting their potential to challenge for the title while also indicating room for improvement to consistently compete at the highest level.
What is Pakistan’s Squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2024?
Nida Dar (C), Gull Feroza (WK), Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
SWOT analysis of Pakistan’s squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2024
Strengths of Pakistan squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Experienced spin attack:
Pakistan enters the 2024 Asia Cup with a formidable spin bowling attack, which has been their key strength in recent T20 Internationals. Led by experienced spinners like Nida Dar and Nashra Sandhu, this unit has consistently taken wickets and controlled the run rate in crucial matches. Their ability to exploit subcontinent conditions, combined with variations in flight and turn, has troubled even accomplished batters, giving Pakistan a significant advantage in the tournament.
Reliable batters in the top-order:
A few of Pakistan’s top batters have been in notable form of late in domestic and international games. Top-order batters Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen have time and again provided solid starts and set platforms for competitive totals. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and opponents has been crucial in recent T20Is, giving Pakistan confidence heading into the 2024 Asia Cup. This top-order stability could prove to be a significant asset as they aim for success in the tournament.
Weaknesses of Pakistan squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Retirement of Bismah Maroof:
The recent retirement of Bismah Maroof has left a significant gap in Pakistan’s middle order, exposing a key weakness heading into the 2024 Asia Cup. This departure has destabilized the batting lineup, leaving the team without a reliable anchor in crucial situations. The remaining middle-order batters are yet to consistently step up and fill this gap, potentially leaving Pakistan vulnerable if their top order fails to fire. This fragility could be exploited by opposition teams, especially in high-pressure matches during the tournament.
Lack of wickets amongst the pacers:
Pakistan faces a significant challenge with their pace bowling department heading into the 2024 Asia Cup. The pacers have struggled to make early breakthroughs and take consistent wickets in recent matches, putting extra pressure on the spin bowlers. This lack of potency in the fast-bowling unit could be exploited by opposition teams, especially during the powerplay overs.
Opportunities of Pakistan squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Chance for inexperienced players:
The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup presents a valuable opportunity for Pakistan’s inexperienced players to prove themselves on a significant stage. With recent retirements creating gaps in the team, emerging talents Sadaf Shamas, Gull Feroza among others have a chance to step up and make crucial contributions. This tournament could be a turning point for young players to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and potentially cement their places in the national squad. Their performances could not only shape Pakistan’s success in this tournament but also influence the team’s future in international cricket.
Chance for improvement in the fielding department:
The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup offers Pakistan a crucial opportunity to enhance their fielding skills ahead of the T20 World Cup. This tournament provides a platform for the team to focus on improving their catching, ground fielding, and overall fielding strategies under competitive conditions.
Threats of Pakistan squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Over-dependence on Nida Dar:
Pakistan’s over-reliance on Nida Dar with both the bat and ball poses a significant threat to their 2024 Asia Cup campaign. While Dar’s all-round abilities have been a cornerstone of the team’s success, this dependency could become a vulnerability if she underperforms or faces injury.
Batters struggle against pacers:
A significant threat to Pakistan is their inability to counter skillful pace bowling. Recent performances have shown a vulnerability when facing quality fast bowlers, with the batting lineup often failing against pace and swing. This weakness could be exploited by teams with strong pace attacks, potentially leading to early collapses or below-par totals.