LAHORE: Pakistan women’s cricketer Natalia Parvaiz expressed her thoughts on national team preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, set to take place from 9 to 19 April at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground in Lahore.
While talking to the media, the batting all-rounder Natalia deemed fitness crucial for the 50-over format while mentioning the improvement in the players’ fitness.
“Fitness is very crucial in 50-over cricket. Without fitness, you can’t play in this format,” she said.
“I think there is a lot of improvement because cricketers are focusing on gym, running, cardio, strength, and diet, ” she added.
The 29-year-old lauded the role of coaches in preparing them for different conditions, especially playing on turning tracks.
“The coaches have guided us on how to play in different conditions, which has helped us a lot.”
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She stated that their preparation was good, and as a team, they were hopeful of a strong performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
“Our preparation is good, and hopefully, our results will be good. We also want to play in the World Cup,” she concluded.
The six-team ICC event, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, will feature a single-league round-robin format.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground will host 15 matches of the event, with Pakistan playing Ireland in the opening match of the competition at the Gaddafi Stadium.
On 11 April, Pakistan will play Scotland at the LCCA ground in a day game, while the hosts will take on West Indies in a day-night fixture on 14 April at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan will face Thailand in their fourth fixture of the event scheduled on 17 April in a day-night fixture at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on 19 April at the LCCA ground, which will be a day match.
Pakistan squad for Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers
Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah
Reserve players: Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar and Umm-e-Hani
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