Karachi, 1 February 2022: Pakistan national women’s team started the final phase of their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup today at the State Bank Stadium in Karachi with an extended training session. The players did fielding sessions, before they played match scenarios and polished their skills in nets.
At the start of the day, Bismah Maroof, the captain of the national women’s side, motivated the players to push their limits to make history in New Zealand in a team huddle and said, “Many congratulations to everyone for making it to the national side for the World Cup. I am very excited to lead you in the World Cup, for which our goal is to reach the semi-finals. We need to believe in ourselves that we can achieve it. I have believe in every one of you that we can do it.
🗣️ @maroof_bismah address to the team as our players begin preparations for #CWC22#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/VKATYEw4CD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2022
Pakistan women team are yet to make it to the semi-final round in a World Cup, and the upcoming tournament presents them an opportunity to make history. Pakistan start their campaign in Tarunga against India on 5 March.
“We did not perform up to the mark last year,” said Bismah, reflecting on the last year’s performances. “There were individual performances, but now it is due on us to perform up to the mark.
“Let’s do good things to make everyone proud of us.
“From today, your every move should reflect intensity and the goal towards which we are working. We have to support each other. The goal that we have set, it cannot be achieved alone. We are a team, and if we work towards it together, we will be able to achieve it.”
Bismah’s team will depart for New Zealand in the wee hours of 9 February.
Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Nida Dar (vice-captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz
Traveling reserves: Iram Javed, Najiha Alvi and Tuba Hassan
Pakistan’s fixtures at ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022:
6 March – Pakistan v India at Bay Oval, Tauranga
8 March – Pakistan v Australia at Bay Oval, Tauranga
11 March – Pakistan v South Africa at Bay Oval, Tauranga
14 March – Pakistan v Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton
21 March – Pakistan v West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton
24 March – Pakistan v England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
26 March – Pakistan v New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
