Aaliya and Diana eager to be known as best pacers in women's cricket
Pakistan Women's team is mostly dominated by spinners, even in white-ball cricket.
Pakistan is known for producing great fast bowlers who can dominate the contest between bat and ball. From Fazal Mehmood to Naseem Shah, Pakistani bowlers have always impressed the world with their talent.
But unlike men’s cricket, Pakistan Women's team is mostly dominated by spinners, even in white-ball cricket. However, the current lot is aiming to change that perception.
The fast bowling duo of Pakistan – Aaliya Riaz and Diana Baig – are eager to be counted among the bests pacers in women's cricket.
The women's team is currently being guided by former Pakistan pacer Saleem Jaffer.
Jaffer is working as a fast bowling consultant to improve the skills of the pace battery.
Pakistan is known for producing great fast bowlers who can dominate the contest between bat and ball. From Fazal Mehmood to Naseem Shah, Pakistani bowlers have always impressed the world with their talent.
But unlike men’s cricket, Pakistan Women's team is mostly dominated by spinners, even in white-ball cricket. However, the current lot is aiming to change that perception.
The fast bowling duo of Pakistan – Aaliya Riaz and Diana Baig – are eager to be counted among the bests pacers in women's cricket.
The women's team is currently being guided by former Pakistan pacer Saleem Jaffer.
Jaffer is working as a fast bowling consultant to improve the skills of the pace battery.
“Fast bowling is an art and our girls are learning it well,” Jaffer told Geo News as he oversaw Aaliya bowling in the nets to trainer Gemaal Hussasin.
Jaffer said that he aims to add variety to Pakistan women team’s fast bowling attack by teaching them how to use the crease and how to bowl yorkers and slower delivery.
“These girls are very hard working. I can’t change their bio-mechanical basics but I can value add to their skills,” said the former cricketer.
“What I felt earlier was that they lacked variations when I joined them. They were bowling at the same pace, I am guiding them on how to bowl with variety, develop their slower deliveries and yorkers as well as utilise the box. I am hopeful of bringing them up to the mark before the World Cup,” he said.
He further said that Pakistan Women's team has good fast bowlers with a very bright future.
“Their pace is naturally not too high; they’re bowling between 105 and 110kmph so at this pace they need variation, especially in limited overs, and that’s why I am working on that area,” he said.
“I have told them how to treat off-stump line and also how to bowl when you’re against the wind and with the wind."
Jaffer's expertise has already helped women bowlers recognise their mistakes and so improve.
Aaliya says that she is now an improved bowler after learning different variety.
“He is always there to tell us about our mistakes and guide us on how to correct them. I feel that my bowling has improved a lot. I know where I was lacking and I have overcome them (the mistakes),” Aaliya added.
The all-rounder said that Jaffer has taught her how to use the grip as well as how to deliver slower balls.
“You will see the difference in my bowling on England tour,” she promised.
Diana, another fast bowler, said that they are getting dedicated attention on how to work on bowling variety.
“Our team has always been dominated by spinners. Female fast bowlers are also trying to make a mark and give our best. If we continue to take steps like this, then it will help us,” said Diana, who has also represented Pakistan in football internationally.
Diana added that female fast bowlers of Pakistan are eager to make a name in the world, similar to how their male counterparts do.
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