The West indies are now in Karachi ahead of the upcoming Women’s three-match T20 International series against Pakistan.

A feat that sees them becoming the first non-Asian Women’s team to visit Pakistan in 15 years.

The squad was received by officials of the PCB women’s wing and was accorded special VVIP security protocol, with over 500 policemen escorting the team in bullet-proof buses.

The 13-member squad is being led by interim captain Merissa Aguilleira in the absence of Jamaica’s Stafanie Taylor who opted against travelling to Pakistan, citing security fears.

The team also consists of two-first timers in 21-year-old Jamaican opener Rashada Williams and Trinidad and Tobago off-spinner Karishma Ramharack who was named as replacement for injured all-rounder Hayley Matthews.

The series which is being held in Karachi gets underway on January 31 and will be followed by matches on February 1 and 3.

It takes on added significance with the announcement on Tuesday that both teams are drawn in the same half of the tournament for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia.

Urging her team to stay focussed, Aguilleira said, “It’s important to take [all] information we can away from Pakistan because they’re a growing team and developing very well.”