LAHORE: While Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof targets another clean sweep in the two-match One-day International series, her Bangladesh counterpart Rumana Ahmad aims at to go in the series after ignoring the 0-3 whitewash the tourists suffered in the recently-concluded T20 series.

The Gaddafi Stadium will host both the ODIs, on Saturday and Monday.

“We have two one-dayers against Bangladesh and our aim is to win both of them. The T20 series was our season-opener and we needed that win to get the momentum. Now, we have gotten it, we will look to make the most of it in the ODI series,” Bismah said in pre-match talk with media here on Friday.

“Our one-day team has been doing well of late and the girls are ready to confront all the challenges that come their way. It was evident in the T20 series when everyone stood up and delivered in pressure moments.”

Rumana said: “There’s a little worry in the camp after the T20 series defeat but we are looking at the positives. We have to go in the series after ignoring the T20 defeat as the ODI series present us chances to pounce back and we have a firm believe that we will do better in the upcoming two matches.

“We have good performers in both departments but my observation is that our main strength will be our bowling attack.”

It may be mentioned that the upcoming series is vital for Pakistan’s preparations for their final round ICC Women’s Championship fixture against world champions England in Malaysia next month.

Pakistan are currently ranked fifth in the eight-team series and a win against England will see them secure automatic qualification for the 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand by breaking into top four.

Bangladesh, who won the last ODI match at home in 2018 by six wickets, are behind Pakistan in head-to-head ODI record as the two countries have so far played eight matches, with Pakistan having an upper hand, winning five and losing three.

Saturday will also mark the first instance when Pakistan national women’s team play an ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium. Since 2001, they have featured in 20 home ODIs, all held in Karachi.

Pakistan have surprisingly excluded Anam Amin, the top wicket-taker of the T20 series, who is also a regular performer.

Squads:

PAKISTAN: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aliya Riaz, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nashra Sandhu, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper)

BANGLADESH: Rumana Ahmed (captain), Fahima Khatun, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Jahanara Alam, Khadija-tul-Kubra, Shanjida Akther, Murshida Khatun, Nahida Akter, Nigar Sultana (wicketkeeper), Panna Ghosh, Salma Khatun, Sanjida Islam, Shamima Sultana (wicket-keeper), Sharmin Sultana, Sharmin Sultana Supta.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2019