Tag: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed her hope to carry on the momentum after her side’s thumping 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Fatima was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory as she recovered Pakistan from 84/8 to a respectable total of 116 with her quickfire 30-run cameo.

Later with the ball, she bagged two wickets including the prized scalp of her Sri Lankan counterpart Chamari Athapaththu.

For her all-round brilliance, Fatima Sana was awarded the Player of the Match in her maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match as captain.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, the Pakistan captain thanked her teammates and credited management for the important victory.

“I am excited, thanks to the team they supported well. All credit goes to management,” said Fatima.

“We need to take the momentum and carry this to next match.

“I blame myself [for the score], but I tried to back myself and be calm to hit.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The right-arm pacer then shared that Pakistan needed to get rid of Chamari Athapaththu early to have a good start and it set the tone to defend the modest total.

“Obviously, we all know Chamari is a good player, we needed that wicket to have a good start and we got it,” Fatima said.

“We won the toss and we wanted a lot of runs but we didn’t get. But we still achieved the target in the game,” she added.

Remember, Pakistan had suffered a major blow earlier in the run defence when their experienced pacer Diana Baig limped off the field after bowling just one delivery.

Asked to provide an update on the pacer’s injury, Fatima Sana stated that she would inquire about Baig’s injury after the game.

“Unfortunately she [Diana Baig] was injured. She is our main player. I had to calm myself as captain and carry on with the ball after that. We will ask her how she is after the game,” Fatima said.

READ: Pakistan stun Sri Lanka to kick off Women’s T20 World Cup with a win

SHARJAH: Fatima Sana’s 30-run cameo, coupled with tight bowling propelled Pakistan to down Sri Lanka by 31 runs in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 here at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a modest 117, Sri Lanka’s strong batting lineup faltered and only managed 85/9 in the allotted 20 overs.

The Asian champions had a shaky start to the pursuit as they lost their in-form skipper Chamari Athapaththu (6) in the third over with just nine runs on the board.

Opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne then joined forces with Harshitha Samarawickrama to launch a recovery but Omaima Sohail unsettled Sri Lanka with two wickets in her successive overs.

Gunaratne lamented support from the other end before finally perishing in the 13th over, leaving Sri Lanka in tatters at 52/5. She scored 20 off 34 deliveries, hitting one boundary in the process.

Nilakshika Silva then offered some fight with her gritty 22-run knock and remained the top-scorer for Sri Lanka.

Besides Gunaratne and Silva, none of the Sri Lankan batters could make it into the double figures.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler of Pakistan, picking up three wickets, followed by Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail, who bagged two each.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s batting unit struggled against a spin-laden Sri Lanka bowling attack and was unfolded on the final delivery of the innings.

The Green Shirts had a dismal start to their innings as Kumari dismissed both their openers Gull Feroza (2) and Muneeba Ali (11) inside four overs with just 17 runs on the board.

Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu added further to the misery of Pakistan as she removed experienced Sidra Amin in the sixth over of the innings. The right-handed batter managed 12 off 10 deliveries with the help of one boundary.

Youngster Omaima Sohail was then joined by seasoned all-rounder Nida Dar. The duo forged a cautious 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket until Omaima fell victim to Kavisha Dilhari in the 10th over.

Omaima scored a scratchy 18 off 19 deliveries, laced up with a four.

Dar then put on a brief partnership with Tuba Hassan (5) before both perished in quick succession. The former captain smashed a six on her way to a 22-ball 23.

Pakistan soon slipped further to 84/8 in 14.5 overs as Aliya Riaz (0) and Diana Baig (2) were dismissed cheaply.

When it seemed a difficult ask for the Green Shirts to breach the 100-run barrier, Fatima Sana stood up for her team and knitted a one-sided partnership with Nashra Sandu (6*) to give a late push to her side’s total.

The Pakistan captain top-scored with a 20-ball 30, laced up with three fours and a six, before walking back to the dugout in the final over.

For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari and Udeshika Prabodhani claimed three wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari made one scalp.

Earlier today, Bangladesh defended a low total to edge past Scotland in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: Younis Khan backs two candidates for Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy

SHARJAH: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Tuba Hassann, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail.

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.

Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana stated that the pitch looked slow and thus her side would look to post a decent total and defend.

“Little bit nervous, but still excited because everyone has been so supportive,” said Fatima on leading Pakistan in the World Cup.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, on the other hand, was unfazed by her side’s hot streak in the format and vowed not to take anything for granted. She further shared that she would have bowled first anyway, expressing confidence in her bowling department.

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Sri Lanka came face to face 20 times in Women’s T20Is with the Green Shirts boasting a slender 10-9 lead.

Matches 20, Pakistan 10, Sri Lanka 9, NR 1

FORM GUIDE:

Pakistan enter the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a dismal track record as the side recently succumbed to a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa at home. They also remained devoid of victory in two warm-up matches in the build-up to the tournament.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are in red-hot form, having won the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 by beating India in the final before playing out a 1-1 series draw against Ireland.

Pakistan: L, W, L, L, W (most recent first)
Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, W

READ: Bowlers give Bangladesh triumphant start to Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

SHARJAH: Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bat first against Scotland in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Bangladesh: Shathi Rani, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), Taj Nehar, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter

Scotland XI: Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce (wk), Kathryn Bryce (capt), Alisa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Darcey Carter, Lorna Jack-Brown, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, Olivia Bell

READ: Sri Lanka spinner Praveen Jayawickrama banned from cricket for corruption

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, unveiled the star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to run from October 3 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah.

The commentary panel features prominent names including World Cup winners Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Stacy Ann King, and Lydia Greenway alongside former international stars Anjum Chopra and Katey Martin and also ex-India women’s head coach WV Raman.

England’s Greenway, who featured in the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, expressed her excitement to commentate during the “amazing” tournament.

“We’re seeing elite athletes at the peak of their powers, and with the increased prize pool, it’s clear the game is being given the platform and respect it deserves,” Greenway said.

“The skills on display are going to be breathtaking, and I think we’ll witness some truly unforgettable moments that will push the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s cricket. I can’t wait to call the action from the commentary box and be a part of this amazing tournament.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

To add more star power, former India and Pakistan captains Mithali Raj and Sana Mir respectively have also been named in the setup.

Furthermore, leading voices of world cricket including Natalie Germanos, Ian Bishop, Kass Naidoo, Nasser Hussain, Alison Mitchell, Carlos Brathwaite and Mpumelelo Mbangwa are also a part of the mix.

“Women’s cricket has been very close to my heart for quite some time. It is exciting to behold how much the game has evolved – the women cricketers continue to exhibit ever-increasing ingenuity, athleticism, power and finesse,” stated Bishop.

The build-up shows during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be hosted by Kass and Laura McGoldrick.

READ: AB de Villiers reacts to Babar Azam’s resignation as Pakistan captain

Pakistan will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to run from October 3 to 20.

Pakistan women’s team are slotted in Group ‘A’ alongside Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa and the West Indies are in Group ‘B’.

Pakistan women’s team under the leadership of Fatima Sana will take on Sri Lanka in their opening match of the tournament tomorrow at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan will feature against arch-rivals India on 6 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

Pakistan will then be in action against defending champions Australia on 11 October at the DICS, while their last group match will be against New Zealand on 14 October at the same venue.

As per the format of the tournament, the top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals set to take place on 17 and 18 October, while the winner of the tournament will be decided on 20 October.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The first ball of the final, to take place at the DICS, is expected to be bowled at 6pm local time.

Pakistan have featured in two warm-up games against Scotland and Bangladesh prior to the start of the tournament but remained devoid of a win.

The Green Shirts also took part in various practice sessions to acclimatise to the conditions.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana sounded confident about her team’s preparations and expressed her belief to do well in the tournament.

“We have prepared well for the mega event. The series against South Africa at home before coming to the UAE helped us know our strengths and allowed our batters to show their form,” said Fatima.

“The two practice games have also helped us in assessing the conditions here and now have provided us with clarity regarding the right combination of players in the tournament,” she added.

Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

Travelling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper)

Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani

READ: Babar Azam suffers decline, Rizwan moves up in ICC Test Rankings

DUBAI: Shorna Akter backed her quickfire cameo with two wickets and propelled Bangladesh to a comfortable 23-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up fixture here on Monday.

Set to chase 141, Pakistan’s batting unit skittled for a meagre 117 in 18.4 overs despite an anchoring knock by Omaima Sohail.

The Green Shirts had a shaky start to their innings as they lost opener Muneeba Ali (11) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board.

Sidra Amin then joined Gull Feroza for a brief 24-run partnership for the second wicket before both perished in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 42/3 in 7.1 overs.

Coming out to bat at No.5, Omaima Sohail offered notable grit with her anchoring knock, which culminated in the 18th over.

Omaima remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a run-a-ball 33, which included three fours.

The right-handed batter was involved in an important 33-run partnership with skipper Fatima Sana, who made a 12-ball 17.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan and Shorna Akter bagged two wickets each while Nahida Akter made one scalp.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh registered a commendable total of 140/7 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a crucial sixth-wicket partnership between Ritu Moni and Shorna.

The duo bolstered Bangladesh’s total by adding a brisk 36 runs off just 16 deliveries.

The important partnership culminated with Moni’s dismissal in the penultimate over while Shorna carried her bat all the way through and top-scored for Bangladesh with a 17-ball 28 with the help of three fours.

Earlier, right-handed opener Shathi Rani gave Bangladesh a head start with a blistering 23 off 16, laced up with five fours.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler for Pakistan with two wickets, while Diana Baig, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan and Omaima Sohail struck out one batter apiece.

Pakistan’s 23-run defeat against Bangladesh marked their second in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up matches as they succumbed to an eight-wicket defeat against Scotland on Saturday.

READ: Batters give India hope to force result in rain-hit Bangladesh Test

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled an all-female panel of match officials for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3.

The apex cricketing body revealed a group of 13 match officials (10 umpires and three match referees) to supervise the mega-event.

“Claire Polosak will bring the most experience to the panel, having officiated in four previous Women’s T20 World Cup tournaments. Kim Cotton and Jacqueline Williams will be making their fourth appearance at the event, both having the distinction of officiating the final of the previous edition between Australia and South Africa,” the ICC announced in a press release.

“Sue Redfern, who served as the TV umpire for the previous final, also returns for her fourth appearance at the tournament. On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s Sarah Dambanevana will make her Women’s T20 World Cup debut as an umpire.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, Sean Easey:

“The ICC is proud to be contributing to the advancement of women in our sport. To be announcing this all-female lineup of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is wonderful.

“This group, selected as the most deserving umpires for this event following their recent form in bilateral and other cricket, are some of the very best from around the world.

“We are confident that they will do a great job at this event. I wish them the best of luck as they oversee the world’s top women’s cricketers in what will be an exciting tournament for all involved.”

ICC Match Officials for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquiline Williams.

Match Referees: Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.

READ: Kapil Dev opens up on when Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should retire

Pakistan women’s cricket team has reached Dubai on Monday to participate in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The women’s team departed from Lahore earlier this morning for the mega-event, which will commence on October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Pakistan is placed in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.

Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on 28 and 30 September, respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 3 October in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on 6 October in Dubai, Australia on 11 October in Dubai and New Zealand on 14 October in Dubai.

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed his best wishes for the women’s team.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The players of women’s team are gifted and talented. I hope they will perform well in the tournament,” said Naqvi.

Meanwhile, newly appointed captain Fatima Sana shared that she is not under pressure ahead of leading Pakistan in the mega-event.

“I have a lot of support from the management and the players, so it doesn’t feel different,” stated Fatima.

“We should believe in playing well and carry that belief forward. When you play against a strong team, you play with more intensity. When facing a team like Australia, you must focus on giving your best.”

Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

Travelling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wk) Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani

READ: Prabath Jayasuriya spins web to steer Sri Lanka to victory over New Zealand