Nida Dar returns to Pakistan squads for series vs England

Nida Dar, the Pakistan all-rounder, returned to both ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against England, beginning December 9 in Malaysia. The The Urooj Mumtaz-led selection committee announced the 15-member squads on Wednesday (November 27).

The 32-year-old's stint with Sydney Thunder in the ongoing fifth edition of the Women's Big Bash League came to a premature end after she was called to join the national team to prepare for the limited overs series consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is against England. The ODIs, which are part of the ICC Women's Championship, serve fifth-placed Pakistan an opportunity to secure direct qualification for the ICC Women's World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.

Left-arm spinner Anam Amin, a key member of the T20I squad, returns to the ODI set-up after more than a year away. Additionally, Kaynat Hafeez and Rameen Shamim have earned maiden call-ups for the 50-over format, replacing Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Sadia Iqbal, and Sana Mir, who has taken a break from international cricket.

Meanwhile, the T20I line-up, too, saw four changes with Fatima Sana and Rameen, both of whom missed series against Bangladesh due to their participation in the ACC Emerging Women's Asia Cup, making a comeback. 15-year-old leg-spinner Aroob Shah has received a maiden call-up after making an impressive ODI debut against Bangladesh.

“A series against a quality side like England always brings challenges and we have put together these combinations keeping that in mind. With the gradual increase in player pool and quality cricketers coming up the ranks, it was not the easiest of selections. While some youngsters have received call-ups, it was difficult to leave others out of the squad," Mumtaz said.

"It is brilliant to see healthy competitions within the group as they push each other to strive for excellence, increasing the overall standard of the team. Pakistan have done well in the ICC Women's Championship. And, after a good start that they have had to the ongoing season by beating Bangladesh in the T20I series and levelling the one-day series, we are confident that the series against England is going to be exciting.”

Pakistan will depart for Malaysia on November 30.

ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Kaynat Hafeez, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wk)

T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Aroob Shah, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Nahida Khan, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz (wk)