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Pakistan have dropped opener Ayesha Zafar on current form, and recalled pace bowler Kainat Imtiaz in the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka, beginning March 20. Bismah Mahroof continues to lead this new-look side which has six changes from their last assignment.
Zafar's poor run continued even after the 2017 World Cup as the left-handed opener could muster only two runs in as many innings against New Zealand, in the first round of the ICC Women's ODI Championship 2017-20 in UAE, before being dropped from the eleven. She played one T20I of the four-game series that followed and made just nine runs.
Off-spin all-rounder Aliya Riaz, left-arm spinner Sadia Yousuf and veteran Iram Javed also couldn't hold on to their spots after failing to impress in UAE. Muneeba Ali, who hasn't been a part of the squad since the World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka in February 2017, has been recalled for the away tour, alongside uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Fareeha Mehmood.
Senior all-rounder Nida Dar, who last played an international during the Women's Asia Cup in Thailand in 2016, has been recalled to make up for the absence of Asmavia Iqbal, who ended her 12-year cricket career in January and turned selector. Incidentally, senior batter Nain Abidi continues on the sidelines.
In the bowling department, the selection committee has shown faith in the young bowling duo of Diana Baig and Aiman Anwer, while also recalling Imtiaz, who last played for Pakistan during their underwhelming World Cup campaign last year. Natalia Pervaiz, who made her T20I debut against New Zealand in UAE, also retains her spot in the squad. Legspinner Ghulam Fatima returns after missing out on the New Zealand series.
The three-match ODI series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on March 20, 22, and 24, and will be crucial to both teams as they will look to earn key Championship points. Pakistan, who recorded their first-ever ODI win against New Zealand in November are placed sixth in the eight-team table with two points, while hosts Sri Lanka are at the bottom of the pile after being blanked 3-0 by Windies in their first round.
**SQUAD: **Nahida Khan, Sidra Ameen, Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof (Captain), Fareeha Mahmood, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Sidra Nawaz, Sana Mir, Nida Dar, Kainat Imtiaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Nashra Sundhu, Ghulam Fatima, Diana Baig, Aiman Anwer.
(CRICBUZZ)
