Pakistan appointed Javeria Khan as the stand-in captain for the South Africa series and she will continue to wear the captain's armband in the upcoming West Indies limited-overs series after regular captain Bismah Maroof quit the role owing to family reasons.
The seasoned campaigner is sanguine to inspire the players. The Pakistan team could be a bit rusty as they haven't played since the cancelled tour of Zimbabwe in February where they only partook in one ODI before the series was called off owing to the Covid deteriorating situation. Before that, South Africa clean-swept Pakistan in the three-match ODI series.
The senior team will face West Indies in three T20Is and five ODIs, and the A team will lock horns with West Indies A in three one-day matches and three T20s respectively. All matches will be held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The first T20I is on June 30.
"We are really excited to be here in this beautiful country. The girls have prepared really well over the past two days. They have had some intense training sessions and we are looking forward to playing West Indies and positively, we will try and give better results here," said Javeria Khan in the press conference ahead of the T20I series.
"Nobody tries to repeat mistakes on purpose. Our plans are always to deliver good results, try to win and aim to learn from our mistakes," said Javeria.
The captain of the women's team feels the players have the skill-set to trouble oppositions but it's about tackling the pressure and transforming potential into performance.
"In the series against South Africa and now, we are a better unit. We weren't able to finish (in South Africa) but we will try to be clinical this time around and mainly our fault is that we do have skills but we have to absorb pressure well and managing pressure is what we are working on.
"After Covid, it was our first series (South Africa) after a long gap. We have worked on our fielding because on crucial occasions, we dropped chances (in South Africa). No matter how much practice we have done, it's all about converting your potential in the match and handle pressure.
"Fatima Sana is a young bright talent. Her excitement and given how much hard work she has put in, we just want her to enjoy her cricket because that will help her perform well. In fact, the message for every individual is to enjoy your cricket as that will improve your performance," she added.
Sidra Nawaz will lead the A sides for the ODIs and T20s in the West Indies tour. She is looking to seek guidance from her protege Javeria Khan and is excited about taking on the challenge of spearheading the side.
"We are very excited to be here in this beautiful land and excited to play in Antigua. We are looking forward to playing good cricket. It's a new challenge for me. Performing well, building confidence and leading the team is great for me. Javeria's guidance will be helpful too," said Sidra Nawaz in the pre-match press conference.
"Management will give the best team to Pakistan A and it's not like all top cricketers will play in the main team only. Indeed, West Indies have tall pacers, we have played against them but it's not an excuse and whether the bowler is short or tall, it doesn't make much difference, we have to play against them.
Pakistan Women Squad
Javeria Khan, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Nawaz, Aliya Riaz, Aiman Anwar, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Jaweria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nahida Khan, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah.
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