Pakistan announces women squad for Bangladesh T20s

LAHORE, Oct 23 (IANS): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a 15-member women squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will play three T20I matches at the Gaddafi Stadium on October 26, 28 and 30.

Bismah Maroof will lead the side which surprisingly doesn''t have Nida Dar, who is currently playing for Sydney Thunder in the Women''s Big Bash League.

"We are delighted to host the Bangladesh team and look forward to an exciting series. It is the first international assignment for the team since the tour to South Africa in June. The team is a good blend of experience and young exciting players," chief selector Urooj Mumtaz said in a statement.

"With the women''s game developing at a rapid pace, we aim to play a positive and aggressive brand of cricket and produce solid performances. The primary focus will remain on winning as it will build confidence within the group, this is pivotal for us as we head into a busy international schedule over the next six months. During the series, we would also like to give an opportunity to some emerging players, so that they can experience the aura around international cricket and its pressures."

After the three T20Is, the two sides will also play two ODIs on November 02 and 04.