Pakistan had to deal with unwarranted tensions even before their arrival here after some political parties asked the organisers not to allow them to participate in the event in the wake of the recent tensions at the Line of Control.
The entire squad is staying in the club house of the Barabati stadium here after right-wing groups reportedly threatened hoteliers in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack not to house the Pakistani players.
Cuttack was added as a last-minute venue after the Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt Pakistan's matches in Mumbai, where the entire eight-nation tournament was originally scheduled to be played.
But keeping the off-field matters behind, the Sana Mir-led Pakistani side would be hoping the sub-continental conditions would suit her team of talented bowlers, including spinner Nida Dar and uncapped medium-pacer Diana Baig.
The all-round skills of vice-captain Bismah Maroof will also prove important for the side if the team is to remain in the competition past the group stage.
But it won't be easy for the Pakistanis against the 2012 Women's World Twenty20 champions and five-time World Cup winners Australia, who are favourites to qualify for the Super Six stage from Group B.
Besides Australia, New Zealand, who lifted the trophy back in 2000 and were runner-up in the last Women's World Cup in 2009, will also be front-runners to qualify for the Super Six stage of the event from this group. MORE
