NewKerala.com

Fatima Sana to Lead Pakistan Women's Squad for Key South Africa Tour

Pakistan has announced its women's T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, with Fatima Sana continuing as captain. The series, comprising three matches of each format starting in February, is a crucial part of the team's preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2026. The selectors have introduced new talent, giving maiden T20I call-ups to batter Saira Jabeen and fast bowler Humna Bilal, while several experienced players return to the ODI setup. The squad will undergo a training camp in Karachi before departing for the tour, which marks Pakistan's first bilateral series in South Africa since 2021.

Key Points: Pakistan Women's Squad for South Africa Tour Announced

  • Fatima Sana retained as captain
  • Uncapped Saira Jabeen & Humna Bilal called up
  • Series includes 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs
  • Tour is prep for 2026 T20 World Cup
2 min read

Pakistan unveils white-ball squad for South Africa tour, Fatima Sana to lead

Pakistan unveils T20I and ODI squads led by Fatima Sana for the South Africa tour, a key step in preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both ODIs and T20Is - ICC"

New Delhi, January 14

Pakistan have announced their T20I and ODI squads to face South Africa, with the tour forming a key part of preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, as per the ICC website.

Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both ODIs and T20Is as Pakistan return to action following their disappointing Women's World Cup 2025 campaign, looking to fine-tune combinations ahead of the marquee event in England & Wales.

The white-ball series included three T20Is and three ODIs. The series begins on February 10 with the shortest format of the game in Potchefstroom, while the 50-over series will start on 22 February.

Uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and right-arm fast bowler Humna Bilal headline the T20I squad selections, earning their maiden call-ups as Pakistan widen their talent pool in the shortest format.

The tour also sees the return of experienced campaigners Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Tasmia Rubab and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi to the ODI squad after missing out on the Women's ODI World Cup selection last year.

Several key players feature in both squads, including Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Tasmia Rubab.

Diana Baig, Najiha Alvi, Sadaf Shamas and Syeda Aroob Shah have been named exclusively in the ODI squad, while Humna Bilal, Saira Jabeen, Tuba Hassan and Eyman Fatima are part of the T20I group only.

A pre-series training camp will be held at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi from 1 to 6 February, allowing the squad to prepare before departing for South Africa.

The tour also marks Pakistan Women's return to South Africa for a bilateral series since January 2021, though they have played matches in Cape Town and Paarl during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023.

T20I squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicket-keeper), Humna Bilal, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.

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

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a cricket fan, I appreciate the development of women's cricket across the border. Fatima Sana is a good leader. Hope this series is competitive and helps them prepare well for the T20 World Cup.
A
Ananya R
The return of experienced players like Ayesha Zafar is smart. You need that mix of youth and experience. Our Indian women's team is also in a rebuilding phase, so it's interesting to see how other teams are managing it.
D
David E
While I wish them the best, I do hope the focus remains purely on sport. Cricket should be a bridge, not a political tool. Let's hope for a peaceful and exciting series.
K
Karthik V
Good squad on paper. But they need to work on their consistency. The last World Cup was disappointing for them. South Africa at home is tough, but a good challenge before the big event in 2026.
S
Sarah B
It's great to see more bilateral series for women's teams. Exposure is key. The uncapped players getting a chance is the best part. Wishing all the players good luck and safe travels.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50