Pakistan have announced their women’s cricket squad for the upcoming Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, with Muneeba Ali appointed captain and batter Ayesha Zafar named vice-captain for the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
The competition, featuring 10 international teams, is scheduled to take place in Ajman from November 12 to 25, bringing together emerging women’s cricket sides from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific region.
Pakistan have retained 12 players from the national side that secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games, maintaining continuity in the squad ahead of the international competition.
Alongside Muneeba and Ayesha, the announced squad includes Iman Naseer, Eman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Nashra Sandhu, Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar and Tasmia Rubab.
Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe, setting up a series of competitive encounters in the opening stage.
Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and hosts United Arab Emirates.
Under the tournament format, each team will play four matches during the initial group stage, facing every other side in its respective group.
The top three teams from each group will then advance to the Super Six stage, where each qualifying side will play three further matches.
The two highest-ranked teams at the conclusion of the Super Six round will qualify for the final, which is scheduled for November 26.
To prepare for the tournament, the Pakistan women’s team will attend a three-day training camp in Lahore from November 7 to 9.
The camp will provide players with an opportunity to refine their skills, strengthen team coordination and finalise preparations before travelling to the UAE.
The Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy will offer Pakistan’s players an opportunity to gain further international experience and compete against teams with different playing styles.
With several members of the Asian Games bronze medal-winning squad retained, Pakistan will enter the competition with an established group of players as they seek to progress through the group and Super Six stages towards the final.