Bismah calls for fight in Pakistan's Women's World Cup campaign
Pakistan’s best result came in 2009 when they finished fifth, though the skipper feels the side is well-rounded and capable of surprising the world’s best.
“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.”
The side are yet to reach the final four at the World Cup in either of the game’s formats, a sore spot for Bismah, though explains the team has prepared with purpose for 2022 even after tricky 18 months.
“Through sheer hard work, grit and determination, we established ourselves as a force to reckon in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-20 cycle.
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“It was no mean achievement for a side which had finished seventh or second-last in the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s Championship just two years ago and failed to win a match in the following World Cup to break into the top four of the table, before finishing fifth due to a series cancellation.
“Overall results have been below par and there is a strong realisation in the camp that the last year does not justify the collective potential and talent of this side.”
The eight teams at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup play each other once in the early stages, with the top four after the first stage moving on to the semi-finals.
Bismah believes the way the tournament is set out, with a tough first-up encounter with rivals India, it will likely harden the side for the rest of the competition.
“The World Cup format provides all the sides much-desired exposure and experience as each team is pitted against all the participating sides. With each team playing seven matches, only a side that displays quality cricket on a consistent basis will progress.
“Pakistan v India is a rivalry that attracts record eyeballs across the globe.
“I am sure millions of girls will tune in to watch this game and will leave inspired to take up the game."