Pakistan give seven players maiden Women's World Cup call-up

Twenty-year-old Eyman Fatima, uncapped in ODIs, has been picked by Pakistan for the Women's World Cup commencing next month from September 30 to November 2, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced in a press release on Monday (August 25). Alongside Eyman, six other players have been named in the ODI World Cup squad for the first time. These are Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah.

The 15-member squad will be skippered by Fatima Sana with 'keeper-batter Muneeba Ali her deputy. The squad consists of five travelling reserves.

Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah

Travelling Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Eyman had made her debut for Pakistan in the recent T20I series against Ireland earlier this month and had impressed the selectors in Pakistan's National T20 tournament in May.

Pakistan have also named five travelling reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. Feroza and Alvi were part of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier earlier in April but have been dropped to the reserves.

Pakistan qualified for the tournament through the Qualifier in April this year, with a 100% win ratio led by Sana. Heading into the mega event, Pakistan will also play South Africa in a three-match ODI series in Lahore from September 16 to September 22 with the same squad. They will also feature in a 14-day preparation camp from August 29 under the guidance of head coach Muhammad Wasim.

Pakistan, who will play all their World Cup games in Colombo, begin their campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh. If they reach the final, the summit clash of the tournament will also be played in Colombo.