ISLAMABAD: Paki­stan women cricketers start their campaign at the Asian Games on Thursday when they face Thailand on the quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The two teams recently met in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 35 runs.

The Fatima Sana-led Pakistan squad arrived straight from the UAE to Japan after taking part in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup.

Wicket-keeper/batter Muneeba Ali, who returned home due to her mother’s illness, will not take part in the continental event. Gull Feroza will replace Muneeba.

Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab and Humna Bilal replaced Sadaf Shamas, Waheeda Akhtar and Sadia Iqbal from the Asia Cup squad for the Asian Games.

The eight-team tournament features teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and hosts Japan.

The semi-finals will be played on Sept 20 while gold and bronze medal matches will be held on Sept 22.

Pakistan women won the 2010 Asian Games cricket title in Guangzhou, China and then retained it at the 2014 edition staged in Incheon, South Korea.

Fatima said that her team were ready for the challenge ahead.

“We are excited to compete in the Asian Games; it is an honour to be a part of Pakistan’s contingent in this event. All the matches include great consequence and for that we will have to be on our toes right from the first game against Thailand,” she said.

“I’m sure the team will give their best in our pursuit of the [gold] medal. It is also going to be a great experience playing cricket here in Japan. We will look to make this a memorable trip not just for us but also for the fans supporting Pakistan women’s team.”

Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani.

Support staff: Wahab Riaz (coach/mentor), Ayesha Ashar (team manager), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Waleed Ahmed (performance analyst), Tehreem Sumbal (physio).

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2026