Javeria Khan seeks consistency in her performances

Javeria Khan, the top-order batter from Pakistan, is hoping to continue her good run of form in the limited overs series against England in Malaysia beginning on Monday (December 9). Pakistan will first play three ODI matches which are worth a combined a total of six ICC championship points.

Placed fifth in the table at the moment, Pakistan will be keen to register a couple of wins to cement their place in the top four that will ensure direct qualification for the 50 over World Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2021.

Fresh off a successful series against Bangladesh in which she accumulated 137 runs, including two half centuries, the diminutive right-hander is confident of being able to replicate that form against the ODI world champions.

Pakistan lost only a solitary game against their Asian rivals, putting in emphatic performances with equal contributions from all departments. With England somewhat rebuilding following the retirements of Jenny Gunn and Sarah Taylor and the resignation of Mark Robinson, Javeria sees the series as a good chance for the green army to upset the apple cart.

“England are one of the top teams so we will have to make sure that we eradicate the mistakes which are normally there when we take on the other teams," Javeria told pcb.com.pk. "We need to be on top of our game in all three departments, especially the fielding."

“We have to control our nerves. There have been times when matches have slipped away due to the dearth of experience or the lack of better pressure handling (skills)."

One of the senior-most batters in the side, Javeria is Pakistan's highest run-getter in ODIs with 2611 runs. Alongside captain Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar - returning from a spell with Sydney Thunder in the Women's Big Bash League - she will hold the key to Pakistan's batting against England.

With the likes of Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail and Aliya Riaz beginning to show consistency at the highest level, Javeria is confident that her team can pull of something special.

“We have grown as a team over the last two-three years and the girls have improved in batting, bowling and fielding. As a unit, we are becoming stronger every day."

“We have played good cricket recently and we should take confidence from it and look to stretch the momentum into this series. It is pertinent for a team to take inspiration from its past performances," she concluded.