Pakistan have omitted experienced opener Sidra Amin from the 15-strong squad to face Zimbabwe in next week’s three-match T20I series in Karachi. The 33-year-old, who last featured in January, has instead been named among five travelling reserves alongside fast bowler Diana Baig, all-rounder Momina Riasat, batter Sadaf Shamas and leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah.
Returning to the main group is middle-order batter Iram Javed, recalled for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Chief selector Saleem Jaffar explained the decision in a short media note: “Iram’s experience and power-hitting give us another option through the middle overs.”
The most eye-catching inclusion is uncapped seamer Amber Kainat. The 22-year-old right-armer claimed 11 wickets in eight matches for Invincibles during last month’s National Women’s T20 Tournament, swinging the new ball at brisk pace and closing out games with yorkers. She replaces fellow quick Humna Bilal, who managed two wickets in South Africa earlier this year but leaked 9.18 runs per over.
Uncapped top-order batter Saira Jabeen keeps her place after a steady, if unspectacular, maiden tour to South Africa. Captain Fatima Sana again leads the side, with wicketkeeper-opener Muneeba Ali set to partner Ayesha Zafar at the top.
All three fixtures—12, 14 and 15 May—will be staged under lights at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, first ball 7.30 pm local time. The same ground is hosting the ongoing ODI series, which Pakistan already lead 2-0. A clean sweep on Saturday would build welcome momentum before attention switches to the shorter format.
Squad: Fatima Sana (capt), Amber Kainat, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Reserves: Diana Baig, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah
Analysis
Leaving out Sidra is significant. Though her T20I strike-rate (98.4) has long been questioned, she brings stability against the new ball. The selectors have traded that for greater intent, trusting Zafar and Muneeba to set a faster tempo and hoping Kainat can provide early breakthroughs with the ball.
Zimbabwe, ranked ten places below Pakistan, should offer a useful—but not overwhelming—test. For Kainat and Jabeen the series is a chance to settle quickly at international level; for Iram Javed, perhaps one final opportunity to cement a place ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.
