Pakistan have announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe, with uncapped fast bowler Amber Kainat earning her maiden national call-up after an impressive domestic season. The three-match series will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on May 12, 14 and 15, as Pakistan look to continue their dominance over Zimbabwe following a clean sweep in the recently concluded ODI series.
The squad will once again be led by all-rounder Fatima Sana, who has become a crucial figure in Pakistan’s rebuilding phase. The selectors have retained the core of the group that toured South Africa earlier this year, while rewarding domestic performers who impressed in recent tournaments.
Amber Kainat rewarded for standout domestic campaign
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of young pacer Amber Kainat. The fast bowler caught the selectors’ attention with her outstanding performances for Invincibles in the National Women’s T20 Tournament, where she claimed 11 wickets in eight matches.
Her consistent ability to strike with the new ball and maintain pressure in the middle overs appears to have earned her a deserved opportunity at the international level. Pakistan’s management will be hoping the youngster can add extra pace and depth to the bowling unit ahead of a busy international calendar.
Saira Jabeen is the other uncapped player in the squad, although she was already part of Pakistan’s touring contingent in South Africa earlier this year. The selectors have continued to show faith in the promising youngster as they focus on developing bench strength for future assignments.
Experienced names return as selectors make key changes
Pakistan have also welcomed back off-spinner Rameen Shamim, who missed the South Africa tour because of injury concerns. Her return adds variety and experience to the spin department alongside Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan.
However, there were a few notable omissions from the main squad. Experienced batter Sidra Amin has been left out and named among the reserves despite being one of Pakistan’s dependable performers in the longer format. Senior pacer Diana Baig has also been placed on standby as she continues her return to full fitness.
Meanwhile, Umm-e-Hani and Humna Bilal, who were part of recent setups, failed to retain their places in the final squad for the Zimbabwe series.
The batting department includes familiar names such as Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, giving Pakistan a balanced mix of aggression and experience at the top and middle order.
Pakistan eye another dominant display against Zimbabwe
Pakistan will head into the T20I series with confidence after completely outplaying Zimbabwe in the recently concluded ODI series. The hosts secured a convincing 3-0 whitewash and will now aim to maintain the same momentum in the shortest format. With home conditions in Karachi expected to favour both spinners and disciplined seamers, the series also presents an opportunity for Pakistan to test combinations and give younger players exposure at the international level.
The inclusion of fresh faces alongside established stars suggests Pakistan are trying to build a competitive squad capable of challenging stronger teams in major ICC events over the next few years.
Pakistan women’s squad for Zimbabwe T20Is
Fatima Sana (captain), Amber Kainat, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.
Reserves: Diana Baig, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Syeda Aroob Shah.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
