Pakistan women's team captain Bismah Maroof has expressed confidence in her side that will play South Africa in three ICC Women's Championship ODIs, which will be followed by five T20Is. The series will be played from May 6-23.
Speaking ahead of her side's departure for South Africa, Bismah said the team had worked hard during the two-week training camp. "We have worked hard in the training camp, which has been a great success since we spent considerable time on our all-round (batting and bowling) skills," said the world's 31st-ranked batter.
Bismah added that the main target, both for her and the team management, led by head coach Mark Coles, was winning the ODI series and improving the team's chances of securing a direct berth in the ICC Women's World Cup 2021.
"Both South Africa and Pakistan are going to fight hard for the ICC Women's Championship points. They currently have a one-point advantage over us, which we can overcome by winning the series. Both teams are evenly matched and the point's table situation will make the series even more exciting," said Bismah who played 100 ODIs and 95 T20Is.
Bismah, who is considered as one of the batting mainstays in the Pakistan line-up, felt her side had gained great momentum by winning their first-ever ODI series against the West Indies in Dubai, and the core of that team was the same. "The pitches in South Africa will almost be similar to what we will confront in Australia, hence, playing a five-match T20I series is a huge boost for us," she added.