Islamabad, November 30, 2023 – The Pakistan women’s cricket team is gearing up for their much-anticipated tour of New Zealand, departing to Christchurch on Friday, December 1, 2023.
The team, led by captain Nida Dar, is slated to participate in a white-ball series against New Zealand, featuring a three-match T20I series and a trio of ODIs as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
The T20Is are scheduled to unfold in Dunedin and Queenstown from December 3 to 9, while the ODIs will take place in Queenstown and Christchurch, spanning December 12 to 18, as highlighted in an official press release.
Since arriving in Christchurch, the 17-member squad has been actively engaged in preparations, partaking in two practice sessions and engaging in two practice games against the New Zealand XI. In a recent 50-over practice match at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln University, the Pakistan women’s team secured a victory over the New Zealand XI, led by captain Nida’s impressive four-wicket haul and crucial lower-order batting from wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi, who contributed 38 runs.
In today’s T20 match at the same venue, New Zealand XI emerged victorious with a 28-run win over the Pakistan women’s team. The New Zealand XI posted a competitive score of 168 for seven in 20 overs, with Georgia Plimmer leading the charge with 52 runs. Pakistan’s spinners, Nida and Nashra Sundhu, both claimed two wickets each, while fast bowler Waheeda Akhtar also made significant contributions with two wickets.
In response, opener Muneeba Ali played a pivotal role for the touring side, scoring a commendable 32 runs off 31 balls. However, the team managed to score 140 for eight in 20 overs. Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel from New Zealand XI shared the bowling honors, each taking three wickets.
Following the T20 match, both teams engaged in a super over to enhance their adaptability to different T20 match situations. The super over resulted in a tie on both occasions, as neither side managed to achieve the required target set by the opposing team batting first.
Interim head coach Mauhtashim Rashid, speaking to PCB Digital, expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, stating, “We had good practice sessions and practice games here in Christchurch before the start of the series. The conditions here are different, and the players are trying to adapt. These back-to-back matches are going to help the players achieve that goal.”
Rashid emphasized the team’s focus on preparing for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next year, mentioning the inclusion of young players in the T20 match. The coaching staff aims to provide valuable experience to the young talents, both those present in New Zealand and those in Pakistan.
The Pakistan squad, featuring players like Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, and others, is optimistic about their performance in the upcoming series. The T20 matches are scheduled for December 3, 5, and 9, with the ODIs following on December 12, 15, and 18. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the exciting encounters between Pakistan and New Zealand on the picturesque grounds of Dunedin and Queenstown.
