Pakistan women’s cricket team will take on tournament favourites India in their opening match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 in Sri Lanka tomorrow (Frida).
Nepal and the United Arab Emirates will play the tournament opener earlier in the day.
Pakistan's subsequent matches are scheduled against Nepal on 21 July and the United Arab Emirates on 23 July.
Pakistan captain Nida Dar sounded confident about her team’s preparations and expressed her belief in doing well in the tournament.
She said: "As a captain, I am looking forward to giving my best. We have worked very hard in the camp and tried to overcome all the weaknesses in the team. We aim to play positive and fearless cricket. We intend to remain positive in our approach and showcase our abilities according to the requirements of the conditions here."
PCB confirmed changes in the team management ahead of the tournament with Muhammad Wasim serving as the head coach, while Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman were appointed as the assistant and spin-bowling coaches, respectively.
The eight-team tournament will run from 19 to 28 July at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka.
Pakistan were among the top four teams, losing to Sri Lanka by one run in the semi-final of the last edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup held in Sylhet, Bangladesh in October 2022.
The tournament's eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, Nepal, and the UAE, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, and hosts Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final set for 28 July.
Pakistan Squad:
Nida Dar (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Pakistan’s Group A fixtures (all matches to be played in Dambulla)
19 July: India vs Pakistan (1830 PKT)
21 July: Pakistan vs Nepal (1830 PKT)
23 July: Pakistan vs UAE (1330 PKT)