Pakistan hope to tap into Nida’s Big Bash experience
CHANDIGARH: The Pakistan women’s cricket team last played a series in Australia in 2014. Six years on, the Bismah Mahroofled team has returned, this time to play in the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup. Not sure about the pitches and conditions in Australia, the team would rely heavily on all-rounder Nida Dar, who has first-hand knowledge having played for Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League last season. Nida, known for her T20 skills, broke a barrier when she became the first Pakistan woman cricketer to feature in WBBL.
“It was wonderful to experience top-class cricket during WBBL. It certainly raised my game. I had to leave the tournament midway as I had to join the Pakistan team for a series against England. Since then I have been sharing my experiences with my team mates.”
Nida, known as Lady-Lala Boom Boom in Pakistan—she is compared to Shahid Afridi for her hitting abilities—said: “Women’s cricket has evolved and T20 cricket is a fast format.” She played 10 innings, scoring 99 runs at a strike rate of 89.19 and taking 13 wickets in WBBL-5 (2019-20 season).
The 33-year-old will be Pakistan’s most important member, especially with the experienced Sana Mir absent. “We cannot ignore Sana’s contribution to the sport. At the same time it is time for the youngsters to shine and help the team reach the semi-finals. The ball comes nicely on to the bat on Australian wickets. Under coach Mark Coles we worked hard on power-hitting. We have a strong bowling side.
We expect our batters to do different things during the World Cup,” said the Lahore-based Nida, daughter of first-class cricketer Khawaja Rashid Hassan. Coles, who joined the Pakistan team in 2017, resigned five months before the World Cup citing family commitments. Pakistan first-class cricketer Imam Iqbal is the current coach.
Dar, who bowls off-break, was rated by Coles as Pakistan’s biggest star, someone who plays fearless cricket. “He did a fine job with the team. Not only did he work on the skills of players but also on the mental aspect. Our captain is a very positive person. We should be doing well as a unit in Australia and learn with every outing,” added Nida.
She hit the headlines last year when she smashed a 20-ball fifty against South Africa in Benoni during a bilateral T20I series. Her 37-ball 75 is the highest T20I score by a Pakistan woman.
In six previous editions, Pakistan have won just six of their 24 matches, and have never qualified for the semi-finals.