Nahida Khan

One of the batting greats from Pakistan, Nahida Bibi Khan, has been an apex performer for her country in the last decade or so. The Quetta-born is a solid opening batsman who can also swing her arm to bowl medium-pace when needed. 

The Quetta-born batter made headlines after playing at the Under-19 level and Pakistan south zone. A 22-year-young Nahida made it to the international stage in 2009 during the tri-nation series. She made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka but scored a duck on debut while batting on number six. 

The youngster was then selected for the 2010 World T20 to make her T20I debut against the Lankans and scored 5 runs before getting LBW. That year, she was also part of Pakistan’s Gold medal-winning team in the China Asain Cup. The batter also featured in the World Cup 2013 but didn’t leave any mark on the world stage till then. 

However, it wasn’t until 2016 when things completely changed for Nahida. During an ODI against England, the promising batter was given the opportunity to open the innings. She didn’t have a flourishing start to her opening career but batted decently at top of the order that season. Later that season, the opener scored her maiden half-century against Sri Lanka, during the Tri-Nation Series and backed it with another one against Ireland. From there on, Nahida has never looked back and cemented her place as an opener. 

Nahida has been part of Pakistan’s squads for the 2016 and 2018 World Cups. In 2017, she represented her nation during the World Cup and finished as Pakistan’s leading run-getter. During the 50-over event, she scored a 101-ball 79 against South Africa, which was one of the smoothest from Nahida’s blade. 

A 33-year-old Nahida wasn’t selected for the 2020 World T20 but later replaced an injured Bismah Maroof, but didn’t play a single game in the ICC event. Over the years, she has become one of the finest batters from her nation but she has struggled to find her rhythm in the shortest format. 

(As of March 2021)