Ahead of the limited-overs series in Australia — which begins with the first ODI on January 16 in Brisbane — Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry says she is not taking Pakistan lightly.
Pakistan’s tour consists of three T20Is and three ODIs, which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
Australia are the champions in both white-ball formats and top the ICC rankings in both ODIs and T20Is, with Pakistan trailing behind at ninth and seventh in the respective formats.
“They had some new players and their depth has definitely increased,” he said, adding that the team was “definitely growing.”
“They will also be a very good challenge for us and they are capable of playing some very good cricket,” said the allrounder.
Pakistan enter the ODI series in good form, having registered five wins from their six matches in the ICC Women’s Championship. They won 2-1 against Sri Lanka in Karachi last June and later won 3-0 against Ireland in Lahore in November.
🎙️ Mic'd up: Batting coach Taufeeq Umar works with skipper @maroof_bismah in the nets 🏏#AUSWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/4iYrSECbzp
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 14, 2023
Perry also expressed excitement about participating in the inaugural edition of the Indian Women’s Premier League, which is set to begin in March.
“It’s probably a whole new frontier for the game and very important in terms of continued development and progress,” he said.
Elaborating on her excitement, she said “the fact that it’s happening is so important and an awesome opportunity for everyone.”
Speaking about the limited overs series in separate interviews, Pakistan captain Bisma Maruf and opener Sidra Amin said they were confident about the upcoming matches.
Pakistan Australia tour schedule
January 16 – First ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
January 18 – Second ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
January 21 – Third ODI at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney
January 24 – First T20I at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney
January 26 – Second T20I at Blundstone Arena, Hobart
January 29 – Third T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra