Pakistan women begin Asiad cricket title quest

Pakistan’s preparations have been affected by the absence of wicket-keeper Muneeba Ali, who could not travel to Japan because of her mother’s illness. Gull Feroza take over behind the stumps.

Pakistan will be looking to improve on their performance at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, where they finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to Bangladesh by five wickets. Bangladesh will face China in the other quarter-final on Thursday, while the remaining two last-eight matches will be played on Friday.

Malaysia will meet Sri Lanka, while top seeds India face hosts Japan. The tournament gives Japan the opportunity to stage a T20 cricket competition as part of the continental multi-sport event. The semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday, with the final and bronze medal playoff to be played on Tuesday.

Pakistan will rely on the experience of Aliya Riaz and Nashra Sundhu, alongside Gull Feroza, Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar. With the competition moving directly into the quarter-finals, there is little room for error for Pakistan.

A victory over Thailand would send Fatima Sana’s team into Sunday’s semi-finals and keep their medal hopes alive. Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani.