LAHORE: The trophy for the three-match one-day series between Pakistan Women A and West Indies Women A was unveiled at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium here on Monday. Pakistan Women A are all set to take on West Indies Women A in the three-match one-day series, scheduled to take place at two venues here from 24 to 29 October 2023.

Following the one-day series, Pakistan Women A will partake in a T20 tri-series with West Indies Women A and Thailand’s emerging team from 3 to 8 November.

Pakistan Women A and Thailand’s emerging team will also feature in two T20s, scheduled for 10 and 11 November.

This will mark West Indies Women A’s first tour to Pakistan. Toss for the one-day matches will take place at 8:30 am with the first ball to be bowled at 9:00 am.

Pakistan Women A’s squad was announced after assessing performances of 28 players part of the probables camp held at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke. Pakistan team will be led by off-spinner Rameen Shamim, who has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is thus far. She previously captained Pakistan Women A on their successful tour of West Indies in 2021, where they whitewashed the home side in both the T20 and one-day series.

Gull Feroza, Omaima Sohail, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Nawaz and Tuba Hassan are the other internationally capped players in the squad.

Additionally, Eyman Fatima and Anosha Nasir were part of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, where the side won three out of their five games. Eyman and Anosha were the highest run-getter and highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the tournament, respectively. Pakistan Women A captain Rameen Shamim reflected on the side’s preparation for the series, stating that the side is well prepared for the home series. “We have prepared well for the series. Our coaches helped during the training camp, which was conducted in Muridke at the start of the month.

“We played practice matches and prepared keeping the conditions in mind… We know how the pitches act in Gaddafi [Stadium] and Ghani of [Institute Cricket] so we have prepared accordingly. “It is a very big honour for me to captain Pakistan Women A, especially during a home series. Whenever we play a home series, it is always a lot more exciting. “Of course, there is pressure as well, but playing at home is a different experience altogether.” West Indies Women A captain Rashada Williams, on the other hand, termed it an honour to represent her country while also expressing her desire to do her best for the team. “It is a privilege to be here, playing for and representing West Indies. It is an honour to lead the group. I am hoping to do my best and show my leadership qualities and gel the unit. “We have practiced at the NCA and assessed the conditions of the surface…. The pitches are not as fast as our pitches in the Caribbean but they are still good wickets. Whether you bat first or bowl first, it is all about backing yourself.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 24 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.