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Pakistan women’s team captain Bismah Maroof is of the opinion that facing Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20I bilateral series will prepare the team for the challenges ahead, specifically mentioning the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) which kicks off in July 2022. Maroof also feels that the newcomers in the ODI and T20I squads for the home series against Sri Lanka will get to prove their worth when the opportunity comes for them to be included in playing eleven.
“We are looking forward to an exciting series with Sri Lanka. After the World Cup, we will start afresh with an aim of winning both the T20I and ODI series. We have a packed schedule this year and this series will help us prepare for the challenges ahead especially the Commonwealth Games," said Maroof.
The white-ball competition between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will kick off with the first T20I to be played at the Southend Club in Karachi on Tuesday, May 24. Both teams have so far played 13 T20Is against each other and have an even record with six wins apiece apart from one match turning out to be no result.
Meanwhile, Pakistan have the uncapped duo of wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan as newbies in the T20I squad. "We have an exciting squad in place for both formats (T20 and ODIs). The newcomers in the two squads have a great chance of proving their worth when they get a chance to play. It is always exciting to play an international series in Pakistan and such occasions always motivate us to do well and inspire the fans," said Maroof on the eve of the series.
The last time these two sides faced off in a T20I bilateral series, Pakistan came out on top with a 2-1 margin. Tuesday’s match will be the first T20I between the two sides in what is Sri Lanka women’s first tour to Pakistan in more than 16 years.
The three T20Is will be followed by three ICC Women’s Championship ODI fixtures. “I think we will have a good contest as Sri Lanka are a formidable opponent, especially in Asian conditions. The hot weather will be a challenge but as professional players, we would endeavour to overcome the challenge," opined Maroof.
