KARACHI: Pakistan women’s team will start the final phase of their preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier when they take on the West Indies in the first of the three One-day Internationals here at the National Stadium Karachi on Monday.

Ahead of Pakistan’s departure for Zimbabwe on Nov 16 where they will compete to win one of the three spots to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup, these three fixtures will serve as an opportunity for both the sides to get the desired match practice.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz will lead Pakistan in the first match after the team management decided to give Javeria Khan further time to gain match fitness.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have also announced a 12-member squad for the first ODI. The squad comprises Sidra Nawaz, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Amin.

Meanwhile commenting on the series, captain Sidra said playing at home would be a massive occasion for her team.

“We are very excited and looking forward to play ing West Indies at the National Stadium. We have missed playing in front of our home crowd and I am sure fans will be treated with quality action when the series begins tomorrow,” Sidra said.

“This is a huge moment for me to be leading the national side in Pakistan. For any cricketer, it is nothing less than a dream to captain your country and I am very happy that I have gotten this opportunity.”

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2021