PAK vs BAN | Pakistan A vs Bangladesh: Ayesha Zafar to Lead in ICC Women’s World Cup Warm-Up

Ayesha Zafar to Lead Pakistan ‘A’ in ICC Women’s World Cup Warm-Up Clash Against Bangladesh

Summary
Pakistan ‘A’ women’s team, captained by experienced batter Ayesha Zafar, is set to face Bangladesh in a 50-over ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup warm-up match on April 8, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising domestic talent, with a focus on building bench strength and providing international exposure to emerging stars.

A Balanced Pakistan ‘A’ Squad Ready to Test Skills Against Bangladesh

Pakistan Women’s cricket is entering an exciting new phase of development, and the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup warm-up fixture offers a telling glimpse into that future. Ayesha Zafar, a seasoned opener with 58 caps across ODIs and T20Is, will lead a youthful Pakistan ‘A’ squad against Bangladesh on April 8 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.

The match is more than just a warm-up; it is a test bed for nurturing talent and assessing depth within the national setup. The squad includes nine uncapped players alongside five who have represented Pakistan at the international level a purposeful composition aimed at blending maturity with potential.

Ayesha Zafar’s Return at the Helm

For Ayesha Zafar, this leadership opportunity is a chance to reinstate her presence in the upper echelons of Pakistan Women’s cricket. Known for her composure at the top of the order, Zafar’s recent domestic performances and leadership credentials have earned her the captaincy for this vital preparatory game.

Speaking ahead of the match, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Zafar's inclusion was as much about mentorship as performance. With young players like Eyman Fatima and Komal Khan in the ranks, her calm demeanor and wealth of experience could be pivotal in guiding them through high-pressure scenarios.

New Talent, New Hope

Nine players in the Pakistan ‘A’ squad are yet to make their international debut, but many are no strangers to competitive cricket. Komal Khan, the U19 skipper, has been on selectors’ radar since leading the junior side with maturity and tactical nous. Mahnoor Zaib and Zaib-un-Nisa, both products of Pakistan’s growing domestic infrastructure, will be keen to impress on this stage.

The inclusion of Eyman Fatima and Gull Rukh, who impressed during the domestic T20 and One-Day circuits, reflects the PCB’s vision to create a broader talent pipeline. Saira Jabeen and Hafsa Khalid, both hard-working domestic all-rounders, also earn a call-up after consistent performances for their regional sides.

According to sources within the team management, the primary aim is to build a reserve pool ready to step up to the senior national team when required, and this match is a litmus test for those aspirations.

Familiar Faces Among Rising Stars

Among the capped players, Ghulam Fatima and Sadaf Shamas bring much-needed experience in the bowling department. Fatima, known for her sharp leg-spin, has shown flashes of brilliance at the international level and will be expected to lead the bowling attack.

All-rounder Waheeda Akhtar, who has also featured in Pakistan’s senior team, offers versatility in both batting and seam bowling. Umm-e-Hani, another promising player with national caps, adds depth to the middle order and will likely be deployed in a flexible role.

These players form the foundation around which younger teammates can grow, learn, and gain meaningful exposure against a seasoned Bangladesh outfit.

Bangladesh Eyes Momentum Ahead of World Cup

Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, arrives in Lahore on the back of a convincing five-wicket win over Scotland in their first warm-up game at LCCA Ground. Their squad, bolstered by the likes of Marufa Akter, Sobhana Mostary, and Nahida Akter, is a well-drilled unit with established synergy.

Joty’s leadership has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s rise in women’s cricket, and they’ll be treating the warm-up match not merely as practice but as a chance to test combinations ahead of the main ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup fixtures.

The match against Pakistan ‘A’ gives them a valuable opportunity to gauge form and rhythm against players who, although less experienced internationally, are hungry and motivated.

Development Through Experience: A Long-Term View

Pakistan Women’s cricket is quietly undergoing a transformation. The PCB’s push toward investment in youth and infrastructure has begun to yield tangible outcomes. The presence of nine uncapped players in a key preparatory match underscores the board’s commitment to widening the pool of elite cricketers.

By giving domestic stars like Tania Saeed and Dua Majid the platform to showcase their skills on a stage such as this, Pakistan is not just playing for today but laying bricks for a stronger future.

Coach Mohsin Kamal, along with assistant Muhammad Nouman and strength & conditioning coach Asfand Yar, will have their task cut out not just in terms of match strategy but in monitoring player adaptability under match pressure.

The staff also includes analyst Usman Shahid and physiotherapist Quratulain, emphasizing that this isn't a second-string side but a meticulously supported development unit.

Eyes on Gaddafi: Building Toward a Bigger Picture

As the clock ticks toward the 9:30 AM start at Gaddafi Stadium, the spotlight will be not just on individual scores or bowling figures but on the cohesion, temperament, and tactical flexibility displayed by Pakistan ‘A’.

This match will serve as a powerful narrative of comebacks, of first steps, and of a vision that transcends a single fixture. Whether or not the scoreboard ends in their favor, the lessons extracted and the doors it could open may well shape the women’s cricket landscape in Pakistan for seasons to come.