Right from the 1960s and 1970s, Karachi has been a hub of street cricket. During the holy month of Ramadan, even at midnight, cricket is played on streets under lights. Probably every single cricketer who has gone on to represent Pakistan would have had a taste of some form of street cricket. Omaima Sohail, the spinning all-rounder, is no different.
“Yes, I am from Karachi, I used to play on streets with boys, then I played for my school,” she told RevSportz. “My coach (Musharaf Sheikh) at school mostly focused on cricket. So, he told me, ‘you play cricket well, why don’t you join some team’? So I replied, ‘sir, I don’t have much of an idea’, there wasn’t much exposure those days for women’s cricket in Pakistan,” she added.
Omaima began her career bowling seam-up. Just that there was a flaw in her action. Subsequently, she took up off-spin. She also added another arrow to her quiver. “My coach ensured that I would join his academy, I practiced there for two months. I used to do fast bowling; my arm was bending a bit (she said with a wry smile). He helped to correct that flaw, and I also improved my batting. When the trials happened, he sent me there. Then I played for the U-19s and the senior team.”
The discussion soon veered towards the kind of support that she received from her family. From Omaima’s words, one could make out that her parents have been the pillars of her strength. “They are very supportive. Because of their hard work, I am here. When my father (Sohail Anjum) used to take me to cricket, if I had a match from morning or evening, he used to be there. That was a big thing for me. I used to get confidence, ‘if they want me to do it, then I should put in more effort and go further’,” she observed.
By now, Omaima has played close to six years for Pakistan. So, is there a bowling or batting performance that sticks out? Something that would reverberate in her mind for a long time to come. “That fifty (65) against South Africa in the 2022 World Cup. I also was the player of the series in my debut series against Australia, it really motivated me. I also took a five-wicket haul versus Sri Lanka,” she noted.
Pakistan have been on an upward curve. In December last year, they created history by usurping New Zealand in a T20I series away from home. In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Pakistan also got the better of Asia Cup champions, Sri Lanka. So, is there something more that can be done to polish the skills of the Pakistan Women’s Team? How about a Pakistan Super League for women?
This is what Omaima had to say on the prospects of starting a T20 league for women. “Yes, it should happen,” she said. “It would be a good set-up for cricket. When you play with big players in matches, share the dressing room, it will help us learn a lot. We had exhibition games last year and it was very good. Hopefully, next year, women’s PSL will also begin.”
Returning to the T20 World Cup being played in the UAE, Pakistan are placed in a rather precarious position. After pipping Sri Lanka, they went down to India and were crushed by Australia. Pakistan now have to get the better of New Zealand by 53 runs if they bat first. Or chase down the target in just 9.1 overs in order to progress to the last-four. The hypothesis is based on a total of 150.
While answering the question, there was a sense of calmness in Omaima’s voice: “See, we won the first game against Sri Lanka. Our confidence was very high. Just because we have lost a game (or two), it doesn’t mean that we have to lose our confidence. Anything can happen. Whatever mistakes we have made previously, we will try to ensure it doesn’t happen. So that we can come out victorious.”