Pakistan and Bangladesh to create history at Gaddafi Stadium

Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to lock horns for the first time at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a three-match T20I series, beginning October 26 (Saturday).



The series will give Pakistan youngsters an opportunity to make the most of their chance as their key player, Nida Dar is competing at the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), while veteran Sana Mir will join the team from the second match. Players like Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Nahida Khan, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Amin have been added in the squad.



For Bangladesh, Panna Ghosh, medium pacer, returns to the side. She is one of the only two frontline medium pacers, the other being Jahanara Alam. The batting will revolve around Ayasha Rahman, Nigar Sultana, Fargana Haque and Rumana Ahmed, while Ghosh, Alam, Khadija Tul Kubra and Sharmin Supta will be key performers with the ball.



Bismah Maroof, Pakistan captain, highlighted that the team has worked on its fielding during a 10-day camp and is in good form. She added that she wants to start the season on winning note to build confidence ahead of series against England and West Indies respectively.



“We are coming from a 10-day camp in which we put great emphasis on our fielding. Our bowlers worked on bettering different variations and the batters are looking in good form. We are well-aware of the challenge that the Bangladesh present and this will surely be an exciting series. This series is the season-opener for us and we want to start off on a winning note as it will help us in building the momentum ahead of the England and West Indies series," Maroof said.



“With our key player Nida Dar unavailable for this series and Sana Mir joining the side from the second T20I, we have inducted some youngsters in the squad. So there’s an opportunity for them to grab the opportunity and leave a mark ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. This is the first time we will be playing in Lahore and the girls are pretty charged up. We look forward to playing in Lahore and expect the fans to fill up the stadia to support women’s cricket," she added.



Salma Khatun, Bangladesh captain, pointed out that Pakistan will have home advantage. She, however, stressed that her team is balanced and confident going into the series.



“We are very much looking forward to the series against a strong Pakistan side, who will be particularly tough in home conditions. It is nice to be back. Pakistan are a familiar opponent for us and we have had some pretty exciting matches over the years. Our side thrives on team spirit. A nice balance has developed in our game and I am confident that we will be very competitive in the series," Khatun said.



Squads:



Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz



Bangladesh: Salma Khatun (c), Ayesha Rahman, Ekka Mollik, Fargana Hoque, Jahanara Alam, Khadija Tul Kubra, Lata Mondal, Nigar Sultana, Panna Ghosh, Rumana Ahmed, Sanjida Islam, Shamima Sultana, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sharmin Akhter, Sharmin Sultana