Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has called on her side to improve their batting ahead of the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final, identifying strike rotation and partnerships as the two areas that need the most attention before the knockout stage.
Pakistan secured their semi-final berth by defeating Hong Kong by 72 runs on Monday, September 7, finishing second in Group A. They will head on to take on Group B leaders Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on Friday, September 11.
“I think in the batting side we need more, like strike rotation in the batting, and we need more partnerships. And we will try to sit together and discuss these things,” Fatima said after the match, as quoted by ICC.
What improvements has Fatima identified for the semi-final?
Fatima was clear that the batting unit’s approach needs to be refined before Pakistan face a stronger opponent in the knockout round. Strike rotation and building partnerships were the two specific areas she pointed to, and she indicated the squad would hold internal discussions to address them. The 143-run total that they put up against Hong Kong was their highest total of the tournament, after scoring 119 for 9 against Thailand, and being bundled out for just 55 by India.
“So we just go and sit together and discuss a lot of things before the semi-final because we know that it’s a knockout match, so we will try,” she added.
How did Pakistan perform against Hong Kong, China?
Pakistan’s 72-run victory over Hong Kong was built largely on an outstanding bowling display. Nashra Sundhu was the standout performer, taking 6 for 7, which are the best T20I bowling figures recorded by any Pakistan bowler.
Sri Lanka, the opponents Pakistan will face in the semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, enter the match having won all three of their group-stage games. Their unbeaten record makes them a formidable challenge, and Fatima’s call for internal discussions underlines that Pakistan are aware of the step up in quality required.
Pakistan’s clash against Sri Lanka is the only confirmed semi-final, with India awaiting the winners of the clash between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates in the first semi-final on September 10.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
