Is Uncapped Eyman Fatima the Future of Pakistan Women’s Cricket?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fatima Sana leads a balanced squad for the T20I series.
- Eyman Fatima's inclusion highlights new talent in women's cricket.
- The series takes place at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
- Previous encounters saw Ireland secure a series victory.
- The squad features a mix of experienced and emerging players.
Lahore, July 23 (NationPress) The Pakistan cricket team has revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland, with the talented Fatima Sana serving as the captain. Notably, the squad includes the promising uncapped batter Eyman Fatima.
This exciting T20I series is set to take place at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin from August 6 to 10.
Eyman Fatima earned her spot in the squad due to her impressive performance in the National Women’s T20 Tournament held in Karachi in May, where she accumulated 287 runs over eight matches, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 155.14. Additionally, she represented Pakistan in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in 2023.
The squad showcases a blend of seasoned players and emerging stars, including Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and Diana Baig, who bring balance to the team. The spin department will be led by left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan, while the pace attack features Waheeda Akhtar and Sadia Iqbal.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned that the squad was chosen from a pool of 24 players participating in the Women’s Skills camp, which will conclude on July 27 in Karachi. Following this camp, the selected squad will undergo a pre-series training session in Karachi before heading to Ireland for the bilateral series.
The previous T20I series between these teams occurred in 2022 when Ireland visited Pakistan and secured a notable 2-1 series victory.
Pakistan squad:
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, and Waheeda Akhtar.
Non-traveling reserves:
Neha Sharmin, Omaima Sohail, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Nawaz, and Syeda Aroob Shah.
Schedule:
August 6 – First T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
August 8 – Second T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
August 10 – Third T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin