Sadia Iqbal Aims High After Achieving Top T20I Ranking

KARACHI: Pakistan’s women’s cricket team’s left-arm spinner, Sadia Iqbal, voiced her elation on Monday after attaining the top position in the ICC T20I bowling rankings. She also pledged to give her best in the forthcoming ODI World Cup.

While addressing the press in Karachi, Sadia acknowledged the honor of her achievement. She mentioned that she does not view sustaining the number one ranking as a daunting task.

“Becoming the leading bowler in the ICC T20I rankings fills me with pride. Given the fluctuating nature of rankings, I don’t see it as a big challenge,” she stated.

The 29-year-old athlete emphasized that her primary objective is to contribute to the team’s overall triumph, surpassing personal accolades.

“The World Cup elevates the level of competition. My goal extends beyond maintaining my ranking; I aim to elevate Pakistan’s standing,” she added.

Sadia recognized the enhanced responsibility associated with bowling with the new ball, a role entrusted to her in recent matches.

“It poses a challenge for a left-arm spinner to bowl with a fresh ball. The team’s confidence in me amplifies my responsibility, prompting me to intensify my practice with the new ball,” she explained.

The spinner further disclosed that she undertakes separate training regimens for each format to ensure effective adaptation.

“Given the distinct nature of ODIs and T20Is, my preparation is format-specific. My objective is to effectively adjust to match scenarios and contribute to the team’s success,” she concluded.

Upcoming Assignments for Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team:
  • T20I tour of Ireland
  • ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Key Match:
  • October 2 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

Notably, the Pakistan women’s cricket team is set to embark on a three-match away T20I series against Ireland, which is scheduled to take place at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin on August 7, 10 and 11, respectively.

Following this series, the team will participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup the following month, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan is set to commence their campaign in the mega event by facing Bangladesh on October 2, followed by a match against their rivals India on October 5. Their final group-stage match will be against Sri Lanka on October 24.

Of significance, all of the national women’s cricket team’s World Cup matches will be held in Colombo in light of the ‘fusion formula’, which was adopted ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. As per this formula, both arch rivals will not visit each other for an ICC event for the next three years and will instead play their matches at a neutral venue.

Consequently, the first semi-final of the eight-team tournament will be held in either Guwahati or Colombo on October 29, with the subsequent knockout fixture scheduled for Bengaluru the following day.

The final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place on November 2 in Bengaluru; however, should Pakistan qualify, it will be held in Colombo.