LAHORE: The Pakistan women’s cricket team will begin their six-match white-ball series against Zimbabwe Women on Monday (today) at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, marking a significant step in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–29 cycle.
The series opens with three ODIs on 4, 6, and 9 May, all starting at 3:30 PM PKT, followed by three T20Is on 12, 14, and 15 May under lights at 7:30 PM PKT. The ODIs carry crucial ICC Championship points, with Pakistan currently placed fifth in the standings after their earlier away series against South Africa.
Pakistan’s 15-member ODI squad will be led by Fatima Sana, with uncapped batter Momina Riasat earning her maiden call-up. The T20I squad will be announced later. Fatima, speaking ahead of the series, emphasized the importance of starting strong in the new Championship cycle: “Playing at home gives us added confidence. Our bowling has been a strength, but we are working hard to ensure more consistency from the batting unit so we can perform collectively.”
For Zimbabwe, this tour is historic as it marks their first-ever visit to Pakistan. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda expressed excitement: “This is a historic moment for us. The players are thrilled to experience these conditions and we are looking forward to competing.”
Beyond the immediate series, Pakistan will use the T20Is as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales (12 June – 5 July). Prior to the global event, they will also participate in a tri-nation T20I tournament in Ireland featuring Ireland and West Indies (28 May – 4 June).
With Pakistan aiming to climb the ICC standings and Zimbabwe eager to make their mark on debut in Pakistan, the series promises competitive cricket and a valuable opportunity for both sides to sharpen their skills ahead of a packed international calendar.
15-member squad:
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab.
Reserves: Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen, Tuba Hassan and Ambar Kainat.
Player support personnel:
Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Wahab Riaz (mentor/head coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Muhammad Arslan (media manager), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), Moeen (strength and conditioning coach), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist) and Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse).
Pakistan v Zimbabwe women series (all matches at National Bank Stadium, Karachi)
4 May – First ODI (3.30pm PKT)
6 May – Second ODI (3.30pm PKT)
9 May – Third ODI (3.30pm PKT)
12 May – First T20I (7.30pm PKT)
14 May – Second T20I (7.30pm PKT)
15 May – Third T20I (7.30pm PKT).
