KARACHI: Pakistan face Zimbabwe in a six-match women’s white-ball series which commences with the opening ODI here at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.

The series comprises three ODIs, which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29, followed by three T20Is.

The ODI series will be staged on May 4, 6 and 9 to be followed by the T20s on May 12, 14 and 15.

The Pakistan squad, to be led by Fatima Sana, features one uncapped player, Momina Riasat. The squad for the T20I series will be announced in due course.

Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship standings with two points after featuring in an away ODI series against South Africa earlier this year.

The forthcoming T20I series will provide the Pakistan women’s team an opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

Prior to the ICC event, Pakistan will participate in a T20I tri-nation tournament (May 28-June 4) in Ireland also featuring Ireland and West Indies.

Commenting on the West Indies series, Fatima said, “This series is a crucial opportunity for us to start strong in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle. Playing at home always gives us added confidence and we are looking to make the most of these conditions.

“Our preparations have been thorough and the players are clear about their roles. While our bowling attack has been one of our strengths, we are working hard to ensure more consistency from the batting unit so that we can perform collectively as a team.”

Zimbabwe skipper Nom­velo Sibanda said that the tourists were excited about the series in Pakistan, which was their first.

“This tour is a historic moment for us as it is Zimbabwe women team’s first visit to Pakistan. The players are excited about the opportunity and we are looking forward to competing in different conditions.”

Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab.

Reserves: Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen, Tuba Hassan, Ambar Kainat.

Player support personnel: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Wahab Riaz (mentor/head coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Muhammad Arslan (media manager), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), Moeen (strength and conditioning coach), Tehreem Sumbal (physio), Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse).

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026