The Pakistan women’s cricket team touched down in Christchurch, New Zealand, this Saturday, marking the beginning of their tour.
Today, the squad, led by captain Nida Dar, engaged in their inaugural training session at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln University, under the guidance of interim head coach Mauhtashim Rashid.
The 17-member squad is gearing up for an action-packed series, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand scheduled from December 3 to December 18.
The ODIs are integral to the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, where Pakistan has accumulated an impressive 14 points from 15 matches played.
The upcoming matches will be hosted in Dunedin, Queenstown, and Christchurch. Ahead of the official series kick-off, the team is set to play two practice matches against New Zealand XI.
The 50-over game is slated for tomorrow at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, followed by a T20 match on Thursday at the same venue.
Both practice matches will be broadcast live on the New Zealand YouTube channel, with the first ball set to be delivered at 11 am local time.
Among the notable players in the 17-member squad is 27-year-old Umm-e-Hani, who made her ODI debut against Ireland in November 2022.
Having already showcased her skills in T20Is against South Africa earlier this year, the off-spinner has claimed 11 wickets in her brief international career. Umm-e-Hani, excited about her first trip to New Zealand, is eager to make a significant contribution to the team’s success.
The Pakistan squad for the upcoming series comprises a formidable lineup featuring Nida Dar as the captain, along with key players such as Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, and others.
The squad is well-balanced with experienced players like Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi as wicketkeepers, complemented by emerging talents like Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar. This diverse roster, under the leadership of Nida Dar, is set to make a mark in the series against New Zealand.
Here is a glance at the series schedule:
Nov 28: The team kicks off with a 50-over warm-up match against NZXI at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University, starting at 11 am local time.
Nov 30: A T20 warm-up match follows on Nov 30, again against NZXI at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University, at 11 am local time.
Dec 3: The action intensifies with the 1st T20I in Dunedin at 1 pm local time.
Dec 5: The excitement continues on Dec 5 with the 2nd T20I in Dunedin at 1 pm local time.
Dec 9: The team heads to Queenstown for the 3rd T20I on Dec 9 at 1 pm local time.
Dec 12: The series transitions to ODIs with the 1st ODI in Queenstown on Dec 12 at 11 am local time, a crucial match contributing to the ICC Women’s Championship.
Dec 15: Christchurch hosts the 2nd ODI on Dec 15 at 2 pm local time, as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Dec 18: The series concludes with the 3rd ODI in Christchurch on Dec 18 at 2 pm local time, offering a thrilling climax to the ICC Women’s Championship.