Pakistan’s women’s cricket team enters the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with heightened anticipation, following a remarkable qualifying campaign earlier in the year. Their unbeaten run in the Qualifiers on home soil, including a key victory over Ireland, not only booked their ticket to this year’s marquee event, but also boosted morale across the squad.
The team, led by Fatima Sana, will play all their World Cup group matches in Sri Lanka, starting October 2 against Bangladesh, due to prevailing political circumstances between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan won all five of their matches at the Qualifier event on home soil – including an impressive 38-run over Ireland – to book their place in the 50-over showcase with Sana leading the way with a total of 12 wickets across the tournament.
Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan is set for a three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin from August 6 to 10—a crucial opportunity for match practice under diverse playing conditions.
While the Dublin tracks will undoubtedly test the adaptability of the squad, captain Fatima Sana remains optimistic about translating their confidence from the Qualifiers to Irish conditions, she says, “Despite the difference in conditions, batters are confident and since our Qualifiers went well, we are going into the series with confidence.”
Sana further emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to refine the T20I unit, she said, “We are looking to continue that momentum and looking forward to do well — along with developing the T20I side as well.”
Pakistan batter Muneeba Ali, who impressed in the Qualifiers by scoring 223 runs at an average of 44.60, is determined to maintain her strong form heading into the Ireland series and the World Cup.
She noted, “Despite the difference in formats between the Irish tour and the World Cup, our focus remains on T20Is while simultaneously working on our 50-over game. We have addressed the shortcomings identified in the Qualifiers during our training camp and are building on the positives from that tournament.”
The Pakistan squad blends experience and youth, with rising stars like Eyman Fatima, who earned her maiden call-up after excelling in the National Women’s T20 Tournament. Senior players such as Aliya Riaz and Diana Baig add further depth to the squad, while the spin attack will be spearheaded by Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan.
The Ireland T20I series thus serves a dual purpose: helping the squad fine-tune tactics and combinations before the World Cup and providing invaluable experience away from home. With a committed leadership group and several players peaking at the right time, Pakistan aims to convert its recent momentum into a successful World Cup campaign, striving to surpass previous performances on the global stage.
Pakistan squad for Ireland tour 2025:
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar
Series schedule:
6 Aug – First T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
8 Aug – Second T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
10 Aug – Third T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
(Quotes sourced from ICC)
