Pakistan Name 15-Member Squad for Zimbabwe ODIs; Momina Riasat Gets First Call-Up
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Karachi, April 26 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member Women's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe, set to begin on May 3 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The series is a significant fixture within the ICC Women's Championship 2025–2029 cycle, making every point crucial for Pakistan's global ranking ambitions.
Momina Riasat Earns Historic First Call-Up
The standout headline from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Momina Riasat, who has received her maiden ODI call-up — a landmark moment in her cricketing career. Her selection signals the PCB's intent to blend youth with experience as Pakistan looks to rebuild confidence after a difficult recent run of results.
The squad retains a core of seasoned campaigners alongside fresh talent. Experienced names such as Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, and Sidra Amin provide stability, while wicketkeeping duties are shared between Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi. Bowlers Nashra Sundhu, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab add depth to the attack.
Fatima Sana to Lead Pakistan's Redemption Bid
All-rounder Fatima Sana will captain the side, carrying the responsibility of reversing Pakistan's recent fortunes. The team suffered 2-1 defeats in both the ODI and T20I series during their tour of South Africa earlier this year — results that exposed vulnerabilities in both batting consistency and death bowling.
Pakistan currently sit fifth in the ICC Women's Championship standings with just two points, having secured only one series win — against South Africa — in the ongoing cycle. The Zimbabwe series, therefore, is not just a home fixture; it is a must-perform opportunity to climb the standings before tougher assignments arrive.
Zimbabwe's Historic First White-Ball Tour of Pakistan
This series carries additional historical weight: Zimbabwe are touring Pakistan for the first time ever for a white-ball series. The visitors are scheduled to arrive in Karachi in late April and will participate in a preparatory training camp before the matches begin. For Zimbabwe Women's cricket, this tour represents a growing international profile and a chance to earn valuable ICC Championship points of their own.
The bilateral engagement also reflects a broader trend of Pakistan increasingly hosting international cricket at home — a process that gained momentum after years of neutral-venue fixtures due to security concerns. Women's cricket being part of this homecoming is a notable development for the sport's growth in the country.
Full Match Schedule and Venue Details
All six matches — three ODIs and three T20Is — will be played at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The ODIs are scheduled for May 3, 6, and 9 in the afternoon, while the T20Is will follow on May 12, 14, and 15 in the evening. The back-to-back format gives both squads intensive competitive preparation ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
The T20I series, in particular, will serve as a vital fitness and form assessment for players eyeing spots in Pakistan's squad for future ICC events. Selectors will be watching closely, especially with the next ICC Women's T20 World Cup cycle building momentum.
Pakistan Women's Full ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tasmia Rubab.
With Pakistan needing to accelerate their ICC Women's Championship points tally and Zimbabwe making history with their first white-ball tour of the country, the series promises competitive cricket with meaningful stakes for both nations heading into the next phase of the global women's cricket calendar.