By: PCB | TN Media News | Karachi:
Pakistan Set to Face Sri Lanka in Historic ICC Women’s Championship ODIs. Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, led by Bismah Maroof, will face Sri Lanka in the first match of a three-game ODI series tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Southend Club, Karachi. The series is part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–25 and serves as a qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Building on Momentum: Pakistan enters the ODI series with confidence after a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series. This is the first ICC Women’s Championship series ever held in Pakistan. After two days of training, the team appears well-prepared for the 50-over format.
Pakistan’s ODI Goals: Bismah Maroof expressed optimism ahead of the series. “We aim to secure direct qualification for the 2025 World Cup,” she said. She also welcomed the addition of Bangladesh and Ireland to the championship, saying it boosts global opportunities for women’s cricket.
“Our squad balances experience and youth,” she added. Notable players include Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, and Alia Riaz. Pakistan’s bowling, traditionally a strong point, features spinners like Anam Amin and pacers Fatima Sana and Diana Baig.
Sri Lanka Eyes Redemption: Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, acknowledged the team’s T20I struggles. “This is a new format. We must focus on executing our plans to collect vital points,” she stated. Sri Lanka is currently ranked tenth and seeks to improve its standings.
Historically, Sri Lanka leads the ODI head-to-head with 21 wins in 30 matches. However, Pakistan won the last three ODIs in Dambulla in 2018.
Match Coverage and Schedule: The matches will start at 9:30 AM, with the toss at 9:00 AM. Fans can watch live broadcasts on PTV Sports or stream the series on the PCB YouTube channel. The PCB will also provide match reports, photos, and player interviews for editorial use.
Series Dates: 1 June – First ODI, 3 June – Second ODI,5 June – Third ODI
Squads: Pakistan:
Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk).
Sri Lanka:
Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Achini Kulasuriya, Ama Kanchana, Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Hasini Perera, Inoka Ranaweera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Oshadhi Ranasinghe, Prasadani Weerakkody, Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari.
This series not only marks a milestone for Pakistan but also sets the stage for competitive cricket as teams chase a spot in the Women’s World Cup 2025.
