Women’s World Cup news: Pakistan seek breakthrough in New Zealand

Pakistan skipper Bismah Maharoof says that her team’s goal at the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup is to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

Maharoof feels that the World Cup could provide her team with the platform to break through the ‘glass ceiling’.

The skipper has backed the squad to take on the best in the world and make Pakistan proud.

In a column for the ICC, Maharoof wrote: “The Women’s World Cup is a platform where stars are born, and it is the ultimate stage where cricketers of the day can leave ever-lasting legacies.

“For Pakistan, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 is an opportunity to leave a mark and break the glass ceiling.

“We arrive in New Zealand well prepared, with our eyes set on one of the four semi-final spots. We have never made it to the knockouts of any World Cup across the two formats, but that does not mean that that time will never come.

“With the experience of Javeria Khan, Nida Dar, Diana Baig and Anam Amin; the extraordinary talent of Fatima Sana and Ghulam Fatima; and the grit of Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail, this team has all the ingredients to make history in this beautiful country.

“We have put together a strong squad, which not only covers all bases but also provides the right balance required for a tournament as lengthy and demanding as this World Cup will be. We have a perfect mix of talent and experience in both departments, and a team eager to push the limits and make its fans and supporters proud.”

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Maharoof feels that her team is making progress as evidenced by a recent string of firsts achieved by Pakistan in the women’s game.

She hopes that the Women’s World Cup represents a new dawn after the struggles of the pandemic.