Zimbabwe Women are set to tour Pakistan this May in what will be their first-ever visit to the country, marking a significant moment in the team’s development. The 15-member squad features ten new players, reflecting a major transition following the retirement of senior figure Mary-Anne Musonda. With only five players retained from the previous series against New Zealand, interim captain Nomvelo Sibanda faces the task of guiding a largely inexperienced group.
The return of all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu from a concussion layoff provides a boost to the squad, though the absence of Josephine Nkomo and Nyasha Gwanzura due to injury underlines the rebuilding phase Zimbabwe are undergoing.
High-Stakes Series in Karachi
The six-match white-ball series will take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship (2025–29) cycle. The tour represents an important test for Zimbabwe’s emerging players against a higher-ranked opponent.
With newcomers such as Beloved Biza and Adel Zimunu included, Zimbabwe are expected to rely on experienced campaigner Precious Marange to provide balance and leadership within the squad.
Pakistan Aim to Regain Momentum
Pakistan Women, led by Fatima Sana, enter the series looking to build on recent performances. After a challenging tour of South Africa earlier in the year, the side is currently placed fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship standings.
While Pakistan managed to secure a win in the ODI leg during that tour, they are aiming for greater consistency. The squad blends emerging talent, such as leg-spinner Momina Riasat, with experienced players like Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.
Playing at the spin-friendly National Bank Stadium is expected to benefit bowlers such as Syeda Aroob Shah and Nashra Sandhu. The series also offers Pakistan an opportunity to refine their middle-order combinations and assess their death-bowling options under pressure.
Players to Watch
Pakistan Women
- Aliya Riaz: A key middle-order batter with more than 180 international appearances and ten ODI half-centuries, known for her power hitting and finishing ability.
- Sidra Amin: A prolific top-order batter with six ODI centuries and fourteen fifties, providing stability and aggression at the top.
- Nashra Sandhu: A left-arm spinner with 68 T20I wickets and 116 ODI wickets, noted for her control and effectiveness in familiar conditions.
Zimbabwe Women
- Nomvelo Sibanda: Leading the side as interim captain, she has taken 54 T20I wickets and brings experience to a young bowling unit.
- Kelis Ndhlovu: An all-rounder with 1,166 T20I runs and 44 wickets, returning to strengthen the squad.
- Precious Marange: An experienced off-spinner with 57 T20I wickets, offering control and tactical insight.
Recent Form
Pakistan’s tour of South Africa showed their competitiveness despite series losses in both formats by 2-1 margins. They secured a win in the T20I leg but were unable to maintain consistency across the series.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, endured a difficult tour of New Zealand, where they were defeated 3-0 in both T20Is and ODIs, highlighting the challenges they face against top-tier opposition.
Where to Watch
The matches will be streamed live on FanCode in India and the subcontinent. In Pakistan and other regions, coverage is expected to be available via the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official YouTube channel.
Squads
Pakistan Women:
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab.
Zimbabwe Women:
Nomvelo Sibanda (captain), Beloved Biza, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Melinda Kachingwe, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Precious Marange, Michelle Mavunga, Natasha Mtomba, Christina Mutasa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kelly Ndiraya, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Adel Zimunu.
