"She became the first woman to score 1000 runs"
Women cricketers in Pakistan have made significant strides, with several talented players emerging as key contributors to the national team.
The history of women’s cricket in Pakistan can be traced back to the late 90s when the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Control Association formed a team to tour Australia and New Zealand.
Since then, the sport has gained momentum, and Pakistani women cricketers have achieved notable milestones and performances.
Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the best women cricketers from Pakistan, their contributions to the sport, and their remarkable achievements.
Kiran Baluch
Kiran Baluch was a fearless all-rounder hailing from Pakistan and a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
Her debut match in 1997 marked a bumpy start, with Pakistan faltering against New Zealand.
Despite the team’s struggle, Baluch emerged as the top scorer, showing glimpses of her immense potential.
Subsequent tours to Australia and India tested her mettle, but it was during a home series against the West Indies in 2004 that Baluch etched her name in cricket history.
In a single test match, she unleashed her full might, amassing a staggering 242 runs in the first innings.
This remarkable feat not only secured her place in the record books but also showcased her unrivaled batting prowess.
Playing 89 matches in her career, Baluch scored 1863 runs and took 46 wickets.
The cricketer inspired a generation and her name will forever be etched in the annals of women’s cricket.
Sana Mir
Sana Mir is a fiery cricket commentator and former captain of the Pakistan national women’s cricket team.
With an impressive career spanning 226 international matches, including a staggering 137 as captain, Mir has left an indelible mark on the sport.
In October 2018, she soared to new heights by becoming the first Pakistani women cricketer to secure the coveted number one spot in the ICC ODI bowler rankings.
Her leadership also brought glory to Pakistan, as she guided the team to two gold medals in the Asian Games of 2010 and 2014.
Under her captaincy, eight players from Pakistan made their way into the esteemed ICC rankings.
In February 2017, during the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, she became the first Pakistani woman to reach 100 wickets in WODIs.
She became the first Pakistani woman to play in 100 Women’s T20 International matches in February 2019.
Such outstanding achievements led to recognition and honours, including the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, for her exceptional services in cricket.
She also became the first woman cricketer from Pakistan to receive the PCB Woman Cricketer of the Year Award in 2013.
Mir’s impact extended beyond her personal accomplishments.
She played an instrumental role in elevating Pakistan women’s cricket to new heights, inspiring a new generation of players to embrace the sport and pursue their dreams.
Nahida Khan
Nahida Bibi Khan was an explosive right-handed batter, occasional right-arm medium-fast bowler, and wicket-keeper.
Khan made her debut in 2009, donning the Pakistani colours against Sri Lanka in Bogra.
The 2010 Asian Games in China witnessed Khan’s golden touch as she played an instrumental role in Pakistan’s triumph, bringing home the coveted gold medal.
In February 2019, during a series against the West Indies Women, Khan achieved over 1000 runs in WODIs, only the fifth Pakistani woman cricketer to do so.
Playing 369 matches, Khan scored a staggering 7680 runs.
Nahida Khan’s name will forever be known as a true trailblazer and one of the best women cricketers ever.
Nida Dar
Nida Dar commands the field as a right-handed batter and unleashes her devastating right-arm off-break bowling with unmatched precision.
She has firmly established herself as the most successful women’s T20I bowler and made history by being the first Pakistani cricketer to claim over 100 wickets in the format.
2018 marked a milestone moment for Dar as she achieved her first five-wicket haul and set a new record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistan woman in WT20Is.
Off the field, Dar is known affectionately as “Lady Boom Boom,” a moniker that perfectly captures her explosive batting prowess.
Her father, Rashid Hassan, adds to the cricketing lineage as a former first-class cricketer.
Dar’s exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport were recognised when she was honoured with the prestigious PCB Women’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2021.
This accolade further solidifies her status as one of Pakistan’s brightest women cricketers.
Sajjida Shah
During her illustrious career, spanning from 2000 to 2010, Sajjida Shah left her mark on the international stage.
She fearlessly represented Pakistan in two test matches, a whopping 60 One Day Internationals, and eight thrilling T20 Internationals.
However, it was in 2003 that Sajjida Shah was solidified as a legend.
In the opening match against Japan, she snatched an astonishing seven wickets for a mere four runs!
Sajjida Shah’s total tally reached an impressive 23 wickets, earning her the coveted title of the tournament’s top wicket-taker.
As if that wasn’t enough, she also became the youngest woman cricketer to achieve a five-wicket haul in women’s ODI history, achieving this remarkable feat at the tender age of 15.
She took 54 wickets in her career and scored over 1000 runs.
Javeria Khan
Since her debut in 2008, Javeria has left her mark on international cricket, representing Pakistan with unwavering passion and skill.
In October 2018, Javeria’s talent earned her a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the fiercely contested 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 tournament in the West Indies.
Her determination and skill set her apart, making her the third female cricketer from Pakistan to play in 100 Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs) in 2019.
2020 brought even greater recognition for Javeria as she was named in Pakistan’s squad for the highly anticipated 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Unleashing her batting prowess, she once again emerged as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing an impressive 82 runs in four matches.
Playing over 219 matches, Khan has scored over 2900 runs and taken over 27 wickets.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport, she was shortlisted as one of the contenders for the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award at the prestigious 2020 PCB Awards.
Sidra Amin
Stepping onto the grand stage of the 2013 World Cup, Sidra skills did not go unnoticed, earning her a place in Pakistan’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20.
However, 2022 became a defining moment in Sidra’s career.
Her exceptional talent shone brightly in the Women’s Cricket World Cup held against Bangladesh.
Here, Sidra scored her maiden century in Women’s ODIs.
With a commanding 104 runs to her name, she proved that she was a force to be reckoned with.
But Sidra was not done yet. On June 3, 2022, she unleashed her extraordinary skills once again, stunning Sri Lanka with the second century of her career in the second ODI.
This remarkable achievement propelled her beyond the 1000-run mark, solidifying her status as a true batting sensation in the world of ODIs.
Her performances on the field continue to captivate audiences worldwide, and her meteoric rise showcases the immense talent within Pakistani cricket.
Kainat Imtiaz
As an exceptional all-rounder, Kainat Imtiaz ignites the field with her right-handed batting prowess and formidable right-arm medium-fast bowling.
Kainat’s cricketing journey has taken her from Karachi to the national stage, representing Pakistan with unmatched passion and skill.
She earned a spot in the Pakistan Camp for the 2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup in Australia.
Despite being the youngest player in the squad, she showed incredible motivation to improve after this.
She represented Pakistan in the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou, showcasing her potential on an international stage.
In July 2021, Kainat’s outstanding performances in the domestic circuit earned her a well-deserved recall to the national team.
With an average of 111 from four games, including a half-century and three crucial wickets, she proved her worth and solidified her place among Pakistan’s cricketing elite.
Brace yourself for more exhilarating performances as Kainat Imtiaz continues to redefine the game of cricket.
Bismah Maroof
Bismah Maroof is a true legend in the realm of Pakistani cricket.
With her left-handed batting finesse and right-arm leg-break bowling, she epitomises the artistry of an all-rounder, captivating fans worldwide.
Bismah’s illustrious career spans over 200 matches, during which she not only graced the field as a player but also captained the team from 2013 to 2020.
She became the first woman to score 1000 runs in ODIs for Pakistan, making history.
As of 2022, Bismah holds a remarkable world record, having amassed the highest number of runs in the history of Women’s ODIs without a single career century, totaling an astounding 3017 runs.
In 2023, Bismah’s extraordinary contributions to the sport were rightfully recognised as she was bestowed with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
With an unwavering commitment to her craft and an unyielding passion for the game, Bismah Maroof is one of the best women cricketers to have come out of Pakistan.
Aliya Riaz
Aliya Riaz is a right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler.
In 2018, Aliya’s meteoric rise continued as she was named in Pakistan’s squad for the prestigious ICC Women’s World T20 tournament.
Undeterred by the magnitude of the occasion, she emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, dismissing six opponents in four electrifying matches.
Having played over 124 matches, Riaz has over 1700 runs and over 24 wickets.
In December 2020, she was shortlisted as one of the nominees for the highly esteemed Women’s Cricketer of the Year award at the PCB Awards.
Additionally, she was bestowed with the honour of representing Pakistan in the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Anam Amin
In October 2018, Anam was named in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s World T20.
Her inclusion was well-deserved, as she was recognised as one of the players to watch ahead of the tournament.
In January 2020, Anam’s name resonated once again as she earned her place in Pakistan’s squad for the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
In a scintillating display of her prowess, Anam delivered a captivating performance in Pakistan’s opening match against the West Indies.
With her remarkable skill and unwavering focus, she achieved a remarkable milestone, securing her first-ever five-wicket haul in WODIs.
This breathtaking achievement left spectators in awe of her ability to weave her magic on the field.
Having played over 98 matches, she has taken over 108 wickets along with four four-wicket hauls.
Her mastery of the ball and ability to bewitch batters have solidified her as a true icon of Pakistani cricket.
Sidra Nawaz
Sidra Bhatti is an electrifying Pakistani cricketer who dons the gloves as a wicketkeeper and wields her bat with a fierce right-handed prowess.
In June 2021, Sidra’s leadership qualities were recognised as she was appointed captain of Pakistan Women for their T20 matches against the formidable West Indies.
Her appointment was a nod to her exceptional cricketing acumen and her ability to inspire and lead her teammates to victory.
Sidra’s name resonates among the women cricketers in the world, and her presence on the field ignites excitement and anticipation.
In over 110 matches, she has scored over 500 runs whilst aiding in taking over 100 wickets.
Her skills as a wicketkeeper and her explosive batting abilities have solidified her as a true icon of Pakistani cricket and one of the most influential women cricketers.
The women’s cricket landscape in Pakistan has witnessed tremendous growth and achievements in recent years.
Players like Kiran Baluch, Sana Mir, Nahida Khan, Nida Dar, and Javeria Khan have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Their record-breaking performances, leadership skills, and dedication to the game have propelled Pakistani women’s cricket to new heights.
As the sport continues to evolve, these women cricketers will be remembered as trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.
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