Lahore, Aug 25 (PTI): Uncapped batter Eyman Fatima, who recently made her international debut in T20Is in Ireland, has been named in Pakistan's 15-member squad for the ICC Women's World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. The team will be led by Fatima Sana.
Eyman, a promising right-handed batter, caught attention with her performances in Pakistan's National T20 tournament in May.
Besides Eyman, six other players are making their maiden ODI World Cup appearances: Natalia Parvaiz (8 ODIs, 24 T20Is), Rameen Shamim (8 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (15 ODIs, 12 T20Is), Sadia Iqbal (27 ODIs, 50 T20Is), Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 9 T20Is), and Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 15 T20Is).
The 21-year-old Aroob, along with 20-year-olds Shawaal and Eyman, previously represented Pakistan in the first edition of the ICC Women's Under 19 T20 World Cup in 2023.
All-rounder Sana continues to lead the squad, aiming for a successful campaign in the global tournament scheduled from September 30 to November 2, according to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The 23-year-old Sana, who played for Pakistan in the previous Women's World Cup edition, will captain the side for the first time in such a major event. She previously led the team during the Women's World Cup Qualifier earlier this year.
Eyman and Sadaf join the squad, replacing Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who are part of the five-member non-traveling reserves along with Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar. Pakistan secured their World Cup berth in April, topping the qualifiers with an unbeaten record, including wins over West Indies and Bangladesh.
Pakistan will compete in all their group-stage games at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. If they reach the October 29 semi-final or the November 2 final, those matches will also occur in Colombo.
This squad will also compete in a three-match ODI series against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium from September 16 to 22. The 15 players and five reserves will participate in a 14-day pre-series camp beginning Friday.
Guided by coach Muhammad Wasim, the players will engage in practice sessions and 50-over matches. The South African women's team is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on September 12.
Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah.
Non-traveling reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.
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