Nida Dar optimistic about upstaging West Indies

KARACHI: Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Nida Dar believes that West Indies have a good record against them in ODIs, but her team played some great cricket in the recent past and will look to take home advantage.

Three ODIs will be played on April 18, 21 and 23 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and are crucial for securing direct spots in the ICC Women’s World Cup. “We are very excited for the series. Last year, we played some exciting matches against South Africa, and expect the same this time around as well.

“West Indies may have a good record against us in ODIs, but we have played some amazing cricket recently. Our record in Karachi is good and we have the momentum,” Nida said at a press conference.

About the recent car accident which Bismah Maroof and Ghulam Fatima went through, Nida revealed: “Both of them have suffered minor injuries. Bismah is fit, while Fatima is in the recovering phase.”

The spin bowlers have delivered extremely well for Pakistan in the spin-friendly home conditions, but the Green-shirts skipper also has faith in her fast bowlers. “Every team has its solid point. Our pacers are also good. Our combination is good as both the spinners and pacers have been doing well. The pool of talented players has increased due to some great work done at the grassroots level,” she said.

Windies captain says team ready for Pakistan challenge West Indies women’s cricket team captain Hayley Matthews stated that her team is determined to do well as the upcoming three-match ODI series has points up for grabs in terms of a direct berth in the World Cup.

“First, our preparations have been very good. The one-week camp in Dubai, where the conditions were a lot closer to what they are in Pakistan, gave us the perfect platform to refine our skills,” Matthews added. “After arriving in Karachi, we also had a couple of good sessions. Our focus is just on adapting to the conditions so we can do well in the series.”

The West Indies skipper also praised Pakistan, labeling them as a side that can deliver the punch. “Pakistan are a dangerous opponent, especially on their home turf. They possess a talented bunch of players who are capable of turning the game at any moment. We are up for the challenge, and will try to come on top by executing our plans effectively,” she stressed.