Pakistan left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have been rewarded for their strong performances in the ICC Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup with maiden call-ups in Pakistan's senior women's squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The 15-player squad also features Diana Baig who makes a return to international cricket after recovering from a finger injury that she sustained in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in January this year.
Anticipating the mega women's tournament, Pakistan captain Nida Dar said: "The Asian Games have witnessed some extraordinary moments for Pakistan women's cricket, and it's an immense privilege to be part of that history."
? Here's our 15-player squad for the 19th #AsianGames Hangzhou 2022! ?
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2023
Read more: https://t.co/b7jrofscuJ#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/F7boao0ebK
Dar added that she is confident, as a captain, in the abilities of her teammates, both the experienced ones and the exciting young talents. "Together, we aim to create more unforgettable memories and clinch that third consecutive Gold."
The skipper spoke about the sense of pride and determination within the team as it heads towards the 19th Asian Games. "We know the competition will be tough, but we have a strong belief in our skills and team spirit."
Pakistan women's team that have won gold medals in the last two editions, held in Guangzhou, China in 2010 and Incheon, South Korea 2014, and will be aiming for a hat-trick when they feature in this year's event scheduled to take place from September 19 to 26. The event will be played in the T20 format.
Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani
