THE INAUGURAL Under 19 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with 16 countries set to battle it out in South Africa this month for the chance to be crowned the inaugural champion.

Ahead of the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the countries competing at the tournament, looking at their squads, their fixtures and how things might go for them.

In this preview, we are taking a look at Pakistan.

Like a number of other countries at this tournament, Pakistan has been one of those middle of the road countries at senior level for a little while now, so will be keen to write a new story at Under 19 level at the inaugural World Cup.

There is not too much known about the Pakistani side, so we all wait in anticipation to see what this team can show.

Unsurprisingly for a team from that part of the world there are a number of spinners in the side, but only one of their members – captain Aroob Shah – has played any senior international cricket.

So, whether that lack of senior international experience hinders them or not, especially considering some of the other sides have a lot more international experience than the Pakistanis do. However, much of the team has played together in various tournaments domestically, so that will at least counter that issue a little.

Regardless, there is no doubt an expectation amongst the Pakistanis that they should finish at least second in their group. There is a chance Zimbabwe will finish above them, but realistically the Pakistanis should finished second.

Making the semi finals may be too much of a stretch, but realistically Super 6s stage is a bare minimum for this this team.

Pakistan Squad

Aroob Shah (C), Aliza Khan, Anosha Nasir, Areesha Noor, Eyman Fatima, Haleema Azeem Dar, Haniah Ahmer, Laiba Nasir, Mahnoor Aftab, Quratulain Ahsen, Rida Aslam, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Warda Yousaf, Zaib-un-Nisa, Zamina Tahir

Pakistan Fixture

January 15 – Rwanda

January 17 – England

January 19 – Zimbabwe