The
Pakistan Women's Cricket Team travelled to Australia to play four One-Day
Internationals and four Twenty20 matches. The tour also included the inaugural
round of ICC International Women's Championship fixtures with the first three
ODIs counting towards
Unfortunately,
Pakistan left Australian shores without tasting victory but, as an objective observer,
I see five positives that the world number eight can take from their winless
tour.
Javeria Khan
The
opener of the team with more than 1100 runs in one-day cricket, Khan possesses
all the qualities, which would please a captain. She plays a fearless brand of
cricket, understands the dynamics of the game and appears to have more time
than most to play her shots.
Khan
also didn't shy away from the aggression showed by the bigger Aussie quicks, with
the little right-hander taking on bouncer bowled from the world’s number-one
attack. Despite not connecting, her intent was key in setting the tone for the
Pakistan’s best performances.
Sana Mir
Nearly
10 years since her debut and five years into captaincy Mir is the only ranked
bowler from Pakistan in ICC Top 10 rankings. Currently Sana Mir also sits in fifth
spot for most wickets in the ICC Women’s Championship, with her best figures of
3-27 particularly impressive considering the wicket didn’t offer much spin.
With
the Southern Stars requiring a run to win in the 1st ODI with plenty of overs
remaining Mir brought herself on. There was a good chance of getting hit for a
boundary as only single was required for victory and set batsmen had occupied
the crease. Mir, however, ended up bowling a wicket maiden. Pakistan lost the
match but the fire in the belly to compete was clear for all to see.
Marina Iqbal
The
right-handed opening batter looked the most talented of the touring Pakistan
lineup.
Despite
struggling for runs early in the tour, Iqbal slowly began to convert starts into
40’s and contribute at the top of the order. She also finished the series with
38 runs of 31 balls, included the series’ second six and the first from
Pakistan. I highly expect she will go from strength to strength in the upcoming
Asia Cup in Korea.
Qanita Jalil
Qanita
Jalil with 8/1 & 7/2 field with an opening spell of five overs (included 2 maidens) and conceding five runs is what comes to my mind when I think about Qanita
Jalil.
Yes,
those were her opening bowling figures in the 2nd ODI with the new ball.
The
miserly return was even more impressive considering she bowled to a 7-2 field and
maintained the neat line and length necessary to avoid being hit.
Jalil
also proved more than handy with the bat, consistently hitting through the line
of the ball with a straight bat.
Her
seniority and ability with the new ball, means she can be a mentor to the
younger generation of bowlers for years to come.
Bismah Maroof
A
stylish left-hander, Maroof seems to have all the time in the world when at the
crease and brings a lot of strength to the batting line of the Pakistan team
and is currently the third highest scorer in the Women’s Championship.
Nearing
1400 runs in ODI cricket, Maroof’s strength lies in her square of the wicket stroke
play and an ability to occupy the crease.
She
is also a wicket-taking leg spinner who gives the ball plenty of air, inviting
the mis-timed drive.
Despite
a disappointing tour for the Pakistan Women's Team, there are lots of positives
that can be taken from this and cricketing circles are abuzz about how well
they competed against the world number one and how close they came to registering
an historic win. They have earned a lot of respect from both their fans and the
Southern Stars on this tour.
In
a weeks’ time the team will be in Korea to defend their Asian Championship
crown.
Before
I sign off, I only have one piece of advice to the Pakistan batters;
"Work on singles,
Look for a double and
Boundaries will take care of
themselves"
Signing
off, Shashankraj Kodesia.
