Pakistan women come off a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Before the tournament even began, the side kept suffering defeats one after another.
They did defeat Zimbabwe 3-0 at home, but the subsequent tri-series and warm-up matches saw them lose every game. A similar scenario unfolded for them during the World Cup. They crashed out of the tournament just two games in and could only bag one victory.
Can playing attacking cricket solve Pakistan’s batting issues?
However, captain Fatima Sana is hopeful that the team has triumphs lying ahead, especially in the ODI format. Pakistan are currently in second place on the ICC Women’s Championship table, having won four of their six games so far, including one against South Africa in away conditions. Banking on those wins, Fatima thinks Pakistan can pose a significant challenge to Sri Lanka.
“We are hopeful to do well here and are looking forward to rectifying our mistakes and build on our performance from the previous two ODI series against South Africa away and Zimbabwe at home,” Sana told Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Digital.
“The goal is to try and build a good ODI unit for Pakistan with effective usage of the talent of young players as well as the experienced ones,” she added.
Pakistan’s biggest problem lately has been their batting. During the T20 World Cup, too, batting collapses marred the bowlers’ efforts more often than not. Fatima believes playing attacking cricket would help the side build a decent batting unit.
“The message to players has been to play attacking and fearless cricket as per the demands of the modern-day sport and the sooner we can work around on our flaws and overcome shortcomings, the better it is for the team’s progress,” Fatima shared.
The Hundred-bound Fatima Sana
Fatima, who bagged a Hundred deal with Birmingham Phoenix, will fly to England following the conclusion of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. In her absence, Muneeba Ali will lead the side in the subsequent T20I leg of the series. But she appeared determined not to leave without a morale-boosting series win.
“Keeping the local Sri Lankan conditions in mind here in Hambantota, we will look to fight to the end, handle pressure situations well across the length of an ODI game and will look to remain positive.”
Pakistan squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka:
Fatima Sana (c), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhter.
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