Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal is set to bolster Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the upcoming 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as she replaces the injured Fatima Sana.
The 28-year-old Sadia Iqbal’s inclusion was approved by the Asian Games’ technical committee, making her a valuable addition to Pakistan’s cricket squad.
Fatima Sana, a right-arm fast bowler, encountered a setback during the second ODI against South Africa at the National Bank Stadium on September 11, which led to her being rested during the subsequent third ODI. Following medical examinations, it was determined that she had sustained an injury to her right thigh, rendering her unavailable for the 19th Asian Games.
The Pakistan women’s team, aiming for a third consecutive gold medal in the Asian Games, will commence their journey from Lahore to China via Doha, embarking on a mission to uphold their dominance in the tournament.
In accordance with the ICC T20I rankings and tournament regulations, Pakistan’s women’s team is slated to enter the competition from the quarter-finals, taking place from September 21 to September 22. The semi-finals will unfold on September 24, culminating in the final match on September 25, which will also feature a contest for the bronze medal.
The squad for the Asian Games includes Nida Dar as the captain, supported by Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Umm-e-Hani.
The player support staff includes Ayesha Ashhar as the team manager, Mauhtashim Rashid as the interim head coach, Saleem Jaffer as the bowling coach, Taufiq Umar as the batting coach, and Rifat Gill as the physiotherapist.
