Pakistan women's coach happy with tri-series show

Pakistan women's coach Umer Rashid was pleased with the team's performance in the recently-concluded tri-nation series and said it was better than in the Asia Cup last year where they lost to Bangladesh.

"We beat Bangladesh both times on this tour, first by seven wickets and then by nine," Rashid told the Pakistan daily Dawn. "So we have proved ourselves above them at least and find ourselves somewhat at par with the series winners Sri Lanka."

Pakistan were finalists in the tri-series in Bangladesh and Rashid said playing Sri Lanka twice had helped his side pick the opposition's weaknesses. "We know ourselves better too and have a definite plan for the coming eight to 10 days. Bowling tightly with line and length and avoiding getting bogged down while batting will be one of our aims."

Rashid was particularly happy with his spinners - Javeria Khan and Naila Nazir - who he believed would be useful on Australian pitches during the World Cup. Javeria was the joint highest wicket-taker for the series with nine at 12.22 from five games, while Naila took three wickets in her first game. "Openers Nain Abidi and Bismah Maroof batted well [and] … Almas Akram came out as a fine allrounder."

The squad will meet in Karachi on February 23 for a four-day camp before leaving for Australia on February 28.