Pakistan Women have taken an unconventional but competitive route in their preparations for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup, playing a series of practice matches against a boys’ side in Lahore.
The Fatima Sana-led team faced boys from the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in 20-over matches at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The games were arranged as part of Pakistan’s preparations for the continental tournament, giving the players an opportunity to test themselves in demanding match situations before travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
The approach mirrors a preparation method previously adopted by Bangladesh Women. Ahead of the last Women’s ODI World Cup, Bangladesh’s players, including captain Nigar Sultana Joty and pacer Marufa Akter, played practice matches against an Under-15 boys’ team as they sought competitive preparation before the global tournament.
For Pakistan, the matches in Lahore provided an opportunity to work on several aspects of their T20 game, particularly handling pressure and adapting to a more challenging level of competition. Captain Fatima Sana said the experience had been valuable for the squad ahead of the Asia Cup.
“We had very good preparation for the tournament. We played several competitive matches against boys, where we were put under pressure. This experience and the lessons we learnt will help us adapt to the tough challenges of the competition,” Fatima said.
Practice matches are often used by teams to recreate some of the intensity of competitive cricket while allowing players to assess their combinations and strategies. In the T20 format, where momentum can change rapidly, the ability to respond under pressure is particularly important. Pakistan’s matches against the academy side therefore offered the players an opportunity to face demanding situations before the tournament begins.
The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates, with the tournament scheduled to begin in Dubai on 28 August. The competition will continue until 13 September, when the continental champions will be decided.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Their campaign will begin on 1 September against Thailand.
The group presents Pakistan with a varied challenge. Thailand and Hong Kong will provide different tests, while the meeting with India is likely to attract considerable attention given the longstanding rivalry between the two sides.
For Fatima Sana and her team, the immediate priority will be to carry the intensity and lessons from their Lahore preparations into the tournament. With the Asia Cup featuring several sides seeking to establish themselves at the top level of women’s T20 cricket, Pakistan will need to make the most of every opportunity to build momentum from the opening match.
