Pakistan Women will face Nepal women on 21st July at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
Match overview:
Pakistan team suffered a humiliating defeat against India Women in their opening match of the ongoing Asia Cup.
The batting and bowling was below par as Pakistan was bundled out for just 108 in 19.2 overs. The top-order cut a sorry figure, failing to make a mark. Only Sidra Ameen could rack up 25 runs in top order but that too at a strike rate of only 71.
Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan showed defiance against Indian bowlers as they both collected 22 runs off 16 and 19 balls, respectively- giving Pakistan team something on the scoreboard.
The veterans like Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar failed to put on an impressive show while the comeback of Iram Javed wasn’t fruitful either.
Now, the next game is against Nepal and it is a do-or-die game for the women in green. In order to qualify for the semi final, the Nida Dar-led Pakistan side will have to win this match at any cost.
All the eyes will be on the captain and the top-order batters like Sidra and Muneeba Ali. Muneeba will have to chip in with some crucial runs in order to provide a dream start to the team while the power-hitting of Aliya and Iram will come handy.
In bowling, the team will be hoping that Syeda Aroob Shah continues her superb form as she was the pick of the bowlers against India. The leg-spinner just gave away 9 runs in 3 overs and took two important wickets of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
Moreover, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu, and Tuba will have to step-up against the in-form Nepali batters.
Talking about the Nepal side, they will be beaming with confidence after registering a thumping victory over UAE in their opening game. Nepal captain Indu Barma was the star with the ball as she picked up three wickets, while with the batting the opener Samjhana Khadka was on song as she scored an unbeaten knock of 72 runs off just 45 balls.
Nepal will be looking to beat Nida Dar side in order to cement their place in the semi-finals and they have a strong chance to beat Pakistan.
Head-to-head record:
Pakistan and Nepal will face each other for the very first time in the history of T20 cricket.
Pitch report:
The Rangiri Dambulla pitch has been slow, historically. Bowling first will be a good option and if the team sets a target more than 145, it will probably be enough to defend.
Predictions:
Although Nepal has started the tournament on a very high note, Pakistan are still favourites to win this game, given the experience and exposure of the Pakistani players.
Squads:
Pakistan: Nida Dar (c) Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.
Nepal: Indu Barma (c), Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Samjhana Khadka, Kajol Shrestha, Sabnam Rai, Rajmati Airee, Mamta Chaudhary, Kritika Marasini, Roma Thapa, Dolly Bhatta.
Where to watch:
In India, one can watch the match on Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar (app and website) while the matches also have been broadcast live on Youtube on the Asian Cricket Council channel.
