The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, will host the national women’s teams of Pakistan and Scotland in the first warm-up match for the 2024 Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, set for early next month. The match is scheduled for the 28th of September 2024, with a start time of 7:30 PM IST.
Squads:
Pakistan – Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Scotland – Kathryn Bryce (C), Sarah Bryce (VC), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell
Players to watch out:
Sidra Amin
The 32-year-old top-order batter, from 56 T20I innings, has accumulated 997 runs, including the highest score of 63. Notably, this year she has averaged 23.76, her best in the format, accumulating 309 runs from 13 outings. Sidra made three handy contributions of 25, 28, and 37 in her previous five outings, and it is hoped she capitalizes on this momentum, leading the scoring.
Sadia Iqbal
The 29-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 43 T20I innings, has scalped 53 wickets, including the best of 4/16, averaging 18.00 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.66. Consistent, economical, and effective in subcontinent conditions, scalping 14 wickets in her previous 6 outings, Sadia can be counted on to carry this form into the competition, producing breakthroughs.
Sarah Bryce
The 24-year-old keeper-batter, from 54 T20I innings, has amassed 1207 runs at an average of 28.73, with a strike rate of 108.44, and has registered the highest of 67. Sarah averages a healthy 22.00 in the United Arab Emirates and just around in Asia, and though she has had a lean patch this year, she is a seasoned batter and should be backed to find her form early in this campaign.
Abtaha Maqsood
The 25-year-old leg-spinner, from 52 T20I innings, has picked up 54 wickets at an average of 15.92, an economy rate of 5.31, and registered the best of 3/8. Abtaha has averaged her best this year, and in a tournament earlier this year in the United Arab Emirates, she picked up 9 wickets from 6 outings. She can be relied upon to lead the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The Sevens Stadium dishes out an evenly balanced center strip that slightly favors the batters. While it is conducive for batting, the average score in the 140s suggests the assistance bowlers, particularly pacers, can expect off the wicket.
Weather:
The conditions in Dubai are forecasted to be pleasant for the game, with clear skies overhead and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature will be around 33°C, with moderate winds and 63% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Muneeba Ali, Sarah Bryce, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Nida Dar, Kathryn Bryce, Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, Tuba Hassan
Match details:
Date – September 28, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast – Access live scores on the ICC match portal.