Pakistan’s women’s cricket team opens its Asian Games campaign Thursday with a match against Thailand at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The fixture marks the beginning of Pakistan’s bid to secure a third consecutive Asian Games cricket title, according to the team’s captain.
The two teams recently faced each other at the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai, where Pakistan won by 35 runs. The Pakistani squad, led by captain Fatima Sana, arrived in Japan directly from the UAE after competing in that tournament.
The team underwent roster changes ahead of the Games. Wicket-keeper and batter Muneeba Ali, who returned home due to her mother’s illness, will not participate. Gull Feroza replaces her. Additionally, Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab, and Humna Bilal were brought in to replace Sadaf Shamas, Waheeda Akhtar, and Sadia Iqbal from the Asia Cup squad.
According to the source, Pakistan won the Asian Games cricket title in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, and retained it at the 2014 edition in Incheon, South Korea. The eight-team tournament features Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and hosts Japan. Semi-finals are scheduled for September 20, with gold and bronze medal matches on September 22.
Fatima expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. “We are excited to compete in the Asian Games; it is an honour to be a part of Pakistan’s contingent in this event,” she said. “All the matches include great consequence and for that we will have to be on our toes right from the first game against Thailand. I’m sure the team will give their best in our pursuit of the medal. It is also going to be a great experience playing cricket here in Japan. We will look to make this a memorable trip not just for us but also for the fans supporting Pakistan women’s team.”
Key facts
- Pakistan women face Thailand in their Asian Games cricket opener Thursday in Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Pakistan defeated Thailand by 35 runs in their recent meeting at the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai
- Wicket-keeper Muneeba Ali is unavailable due to her mother’s illness and will be replaced by Gull Feroza
- Pakistan won the Asian Games cricket title in 2010 and 2014, seeking a third consecutive title
- The eight-team tournament includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Japan