Karachi is set to host Pakistan’s premier domestic women’s T20 competition as the National Women’s T20 Tournament begins on Wednesday, 30 April. The 18-day tournament will feature five competitive teams – Challengers, Conquerors, Invincibles, Stars, and Strikers – battling it out across 22 matches scheduled at the National Bank Stadium and Oval Ground until the grand final on 24 May.
Each team will play eight matches in a round-robin format. To add to the tournament’s intensity, the sides finishing second and third will compete in a Qualifier on 22 May, with the winner advancing to meet the top-ranked team in the final at the National Bank Stadium.
The matches will begin at 3pm daily.
The tournament features a total of 80 players and boasts a prize pool of over PKR 3 million. The winning team will receive PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up will bag PKR 1 million.
Opening Day Fixtures – 1 May:
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Strikers vs Stars – National Bank Stadium
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Conquerors vs Invincibles – Oval Ground
The tournament is packed with star power from the national circuit, with experienced captains leading each side:
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Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s national captain, will lead Conquerors
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Gull Feroza, opening batter, will captain Strikers
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Muneeba Ali, Pakistan’s only centurion in T20Is, will head Invincibles
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Sidra Amin, top run-scorer in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, will lead Stars
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Rameen Shamim, the all-rounder, will be in charge of Challengers
Captains Speak: Confidence, Strategy, and Aspirations
Rameen Shamim (Challengers):
“We’ve made clear plans with the coaching staff and have all departments covered. Our aim is to play consistent cricket and produce positive results throughout the tournament.”
Fatima Sana (Conquerors):
“The team is eager to make amends after missing out in the One-Day final. We’ve reflected on our mistakes and are looking to deliver a stronger, smarter campaign in the T20 format.”
Muneeba Ali (Invincibles):
“We’re focused on taking one game at a time. Starting strong will be key to building momentum, and I’ll be doing my best to contribute to the team’s cause.”
Sidra Amin (Stars):
“We won the One-Day Tournament and will carry that confidence into the T20s. We’re familiar with the Karachi conditions, and our preparation has been solid.”
Gull Feroza (Strikers):
“Our preparation camp was very encouraging, especially for the younger players. I’m optimistic about our chances and confident we’ll put up strong performances.”
The National Women’s T20 Tournament promises high-quality action, leadership from national stars, and a platform for emerging talent to shine under pressure. As Pakistan continues to build its women’s cricket ecosystem, all eyes will be on Karachi to set the stage for future stars.
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