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The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide as Pakistan gears up to face the United States of America (USA) in their opening match on Saturday, 18 January 2025. With a total of 16 teams competing, the tournament promises to be an exhilarating showcase of young talent.
Tournament Format and Pakistan’s Fixtures
Pakistan is placed in Group B, where they will play three crucial matches:
- 18 January: Pakistan vs. USA at Johor Cricket Academy Oval, Malaysia (11:30 AM PKT)
- 20 January: Pakistan vs. England
- 22 January: Pakistan vs. Ireland
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, carrying forward their wins, points, and Net Run Rate (NRR) against other qualifying teams. The Super Six matches will determine the semi-finalists, with the grand finale scheduled for 2 February 2025.
A Glimpse Into Team Pakistan
Led by the dynamic Komal Khan, Pakistan’s squad features a blend of young talent and promising cricketing skills. The team has undergone rigorous preparation, including a nine-day intensive training camp at Karachi’s Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre. Here’s the full squad:
Squad Members:
- Komal Khan (Captain, Wicketkeeper Batter, Lahore)
- Zoofishan Ayyaz (Vice-Captain, Wah Cantt)
- Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh)
- Areesha Ansari (Kasur)
- Fatima Khan (Lahore)
- Haniah Ahmer (Karachi)
- Maham Anees (Islamabad)
- Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan)
- Memoona Khalid (Lahore)
- Minahil (Faisalabad)
- Quratulain (Sialkot)
- Ravail Farhan (Lahore)
- Shahar Bano (Lodhran)
- Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad)
- Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)
Reserves: Fizza Fiaz, Laiba Nasir, Manahil Javed, Rozina Akram, and Sania Rasheed.
Preparation and Warm-Up Matches
To fine-tune their game, Pakistan played two warm-up matches:
- Vs Nigeria: Won by 11 runs at YSD-UKM Cricket Oval.
- Vs Australia: Lost by 54 runs (DLS method) at Selangor Turf Club.
Head coach Mohsin Kamal and his support staff, including former Test cricketer Nahida Khan, have meticulously worked on the players’ skills, ensuring they’re ready to tackle the competition.
Captain’s Vision
Komal Khan shared her thoughts ahead of the tournament:
“Our group has been together for some time now, which has added to the hunger and passion of leaving a mark on the big stage. We have worked hard on our game, and our focus is on bringing our best to the middle in every match.”
Key Players to Watch
- Komal Khan: A skilled wicketkeeper batter with excellent leadership qualities.
- Zoofishan Ayyaz: The vice-captain brings stability and experience to the lineup.
- Fatima Khan: A versatile player capable of turning games with both bat and ball.
Why This Tournament Matters
The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup is not just about winning; it’s an opportunity to nurture future stars of women’s cricket. It’s a platform for Pakistan to demonstrate their growth and potential in international cricket.
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FAQs
Q: When will Pakistan’s first match take place?
A: Pakistan will face the USA on 18 January 2025 at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval.
Q: How many teams participate in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup?
A: A total of 16 teams are participating in the tournament.
Q: Who is leading the Pakistan Women’s U19 team?
A: Komal Khan is the captain of the team.
Q: What is the format of the tournament?
A: The tournament features group stages, a Super Six phase, semi-finals, and a final.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup is a testament to the nation’s commitment to developing women’s cricket. With a promising squad and a well-structured preparation plan, fans are hopeful for an outstanding performance. Don’t miss the action as the young stars aim to make history in Malaysia!
