Ameen, Nawaz recalled into Pakistan squad for Women's Asia Cup

image-l7rpplycPakistan women's team (PC: Twitter)

The experienced Sidra Ameen and Sidra Nawaz have earned a place in the Pakistan squad for the Women's Asia Cup. The tournament will be played from October 1 to 16 at Sylhet next month. 

The youngster, Sadaf Shamas also marks her presence as an uncapped all-rounder in the touring party. 

The notable exclusions from the squad, which played in the recent Commonwealth Games were Anam Amin, Gull Feroza and Iram Javed. 

Ameen last featured in a T20I setup in 2019 but has been a permanent member of the ODI side. In her last appearance in Pakistan's 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka in June this year, the 30-year-old emerged as the Player of the Series with 218 runs in three innings. 

Nawaz has been part of the ODI squad and last featured in T20Is in 2021 and is a back-up wicket-keeper. 

The 15-member side will prepare themselves in a ten-day camp from September 18 to 27 at Lahore. 

Asmavia Iqbal, one of the national selectors gave the rationale to bring back the experienced campaigners for a crucial tournament. 

"Sidra Ameen has been in good form of late. She did well in the practice matches and became only the second Pakistan women batter to score two ODI centuries recently. Her presence at the top of the order will instill stability," said Iqbal. 

"We have also selected an additional keeper in Sidra Nawaz because of the long duration of the tournament. On these tracks, we need a specialist wicketkeeper as a backup for Muneeba Ali, in case she becomes unavailable. 


Pakistan Squad for Women's Asia Cup 

Squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hasan

Reserve Players: Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Read more: Indian Women’s Team and the quest for a reliable finisher in T20Is