Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series

Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series as PCB names squad; Fatima Sana to lead Pakistan women’s team from August 6–10 in Dublin.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially named a 15-player women’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, which will be held from August 6 to 10 at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin. One of the most significant developments is the selection of 22-year-old Eyman Fatima, who earns her first call-up to the senior national team following an exceptional run in domestic cricket. The announcement underscores PCB’s continued commitment to rewarding emerging talent and preparing a competitive side for future global tournaments.

Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series After Excelling in Domestic Circuit

Eyman Fatima’s maiden selection into the national team comes on the back of a standout performance during the 2024 National Women’s T20 Tournament in Karachi. As a right-handed batter, she amassed 287 runs across eight matches with a phenomenal strike rate of 155.14. These stats not only ranked her among the top performers of the tournament but also caught the attention of national selectors who have been closely monitoring emerging players from the domestic circuit. Fatima’s batting technique, temperament under pressure, and ability to accelerate the scoring rate make her a valuable asset for Pakistan’s top order.

Fatima Sana to Lead as Captain in Ireland Series

With experienced all-rounder Nida Dar unavailable due to an injury, the PCB has appointed Fatima Sana as the captain for the Ireland tour. This will be Sana’s first assignment as captain at the senior level. She brings with her a wealth of international experience, having represented Pakistan in multiple formats and overseas conditions. Her selection as skipper reflects the board’s forward-thinking approach to grooming future leaders within the team. Fatima Sana’s dual role as a bowler and tactical captain will be critical in executing team strategies, especially in challenging conditions in Dublin.

Full Squad Announced for the Three Match Series in Dublin

The 15-member squad selected by PCB is a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars. It features:

Fatima Sana (Captain), Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Bismah Maroof, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Omaima Sohail, Gull Feroza, Tuba Hassan, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Natalia Parvaiz, and Syeda Aroob Shah.

The selection committee has prioritized recent performance metrics, fitness evaluations, and skill-specific roles while finalizing the squad. With a clear vision to build bench strength, the inclusion of young talents like Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, and Sadaf Shamas supports the broader goal of long-term squad development.

Match Schedule and Timings for Ireland vs Pakistan T20I Series

The three-match T20I series will be contested at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, known for its relatively neutral wickets that assist both seamers and spinners. The fixtures are:

1st T20I – Tuesday, August 6
2nd T20I – Thursday, August 8
3rd T20I – Saturday, August 10

All matches will begin at 4:00 PM local time and will be live-streamed on the PCB’s official YouTube channel and other partner broadcasters, allowing global fans to follow the action live.

Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series: A Career-Defining Moment

Eyman Fatima’s entry into the senior national team marks a pivotal moment in her cricketing journey. Having already played for the Pakistan U19 team, Fatima was on the radar of selectors due to her performance consistency and adaptability in various match situations. Her ability to strike cleanly, rotate the strike efficiently, and maintain composure under pressure makes her a fitting candidate for Pakistan’s evolving batting unit. Fatima is expected to bat in the top four, potentially occupying a key role during the powerplay overs—an area where Pakistan has traditionally struggled to gain early momentum.

Ireland vs Pakistan: Women’s Rivalry Gains Strength

Pakistan and Ireland have met several times in women’s cricket, with Pakistan generally holding the upper hand in T20I contests. However, Ireland has been investing significantly in their women’s cricket infrastructure, and the gap is narrowing. This series is expected to be competitive, with both teams fielding a mix of veterans and new faces. For Pakistan, the matches offer a chance to test player combinations, including Fatima’s integration into the team, and to develop cohesion ahead of upcoming ICC events. The performances of new entrants like Eyman Fatima will be under keen observation.

Expectations from Key Players Including Eyman Fatima

While Eyman Fatima’s debut is a highlight, other key players are expected to shoulder responsibility during the series. Captain Fatima Sana’s role as a leader and all-rounder will be pivotal, particularly in shaping the fielding unit and controlling middle overs with the ball. Wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali, known for her aggressive starts and quick reflexes, adds value at the top. Bismah Maroof brings the experience required to stabilize innings during collapses. Spin duo Tuba Hassan and Nashra Sandhu are expected to be vital assets, especially if conditions favor turn and bounce in Dublin.

Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series Amid Strong Domestic Pathways

The selection of Eyman Fatima highlights the importance of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure, particularly the revamped National Women’s T20 Tournament. According to PCB analytics, this year’s edition saw a 20% rise in team strike rates and notable improvement in fitness and fielding levels. The domestic ecosystem is clearly producing quality talent, with players like Eyman Fatima proving that consistent domestic performance can earn national recognition. Coaches and analysts have praised her ability to pace innings, adjust according to the match situation, and deliver under pressure—key attributes for international cricket.

A Youth Oriented Selection Strategy by PCB

The current squad reflects PCB’s emphasis on youth development and succession planning. The inclusion of young players such as Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Gull Feroza, in addition to Eyman Fatima, is part of a larger effort to diversify the team’s skill set and provide international exposure to future stars. This youth-focused approach is designed to ensure that Pakistan is well-prepared for upcoming major events like the Women’s Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup. By developing bench strength now, PCB aims to build a squad capable of adapting to varying conditions and competitive pressures.

Broadcast Details and Fan Engagement Strategy

To maximize viewership and promote women’s cricket, the PCB will stream all three matches live via its YouTube channel, with additional content like post-match analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage available across social media platforms. This digital push not only enhances accessibility but also helps inspire young girls in Pakistan and abroad to pursue cricket professionally. The board hopes that strong performances from newcomers like Eyman Fatima will contribute to a growing fan base and generate broader public interest in women’s cricket.

Conclusion: Eyman Fatima Earns First Call Up for Ireland T20I Series

The announcement of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Ireland series signals the start of a new chapter in women’s cricket, one that emphasizes performance, youth, and tactical innovation. Eyman Fatima earns her first call-up for Ireland T20I series at a crucial time, when the national side is rebuilding and refocusing its goals. With Fatima Sana stepping into the leadership role and Eyman poised to make her debut, this series represents more than just international fixtures—it is a stepping stone towards a more competitive and inclusive future for Pakistan women’s cricket.