Kiwi Mark Coles appointed Pakistan women's cricket coach for series against White Ferns

BEN STRANG Last updated 05:00, September 25 2017

At the suggestion of Mickey Arthur, Kiwi cricket coach Mark Coles will take charge of Pakistan's women's team against New Zealand next month.

The Waikato Valley cricket high performance manager has had several coaching jobs in the Northern Districts region, and has been given leave to pursue his international interests.

A friendship with former South Africa and Australia coach Arthur led to the appointment, which will see Coles head to Lahore in early October for a training camp, before moving to Dubai for the series against the White Ferns.

Coles said the gig will help his coaching development, and he hopes to help improve a group of players who are on the rise in women's cricket.

Pakistan failed to win a game at the recent Cricket World Cup in England, and Coles said there were simple things that need working on.

"It was tough for them, but they competed really well over there," Coles said.

"I think they just lost the big moments in those games. They played well, but when the big moments came they couldn't get the job done."

Coles also suggested taking some of the expectation off the players shoulders could help them to play with freedom on the pitch.

Pakistan are well known for their passionate fans, and dealing with that is something Coles hopes to help the players with against New Zealand.

"Obviously the public just want them to win, like any international team. The team has been developing really nicely so hopefully we can continue that."

Coles said it will feel strange coaching against New Zealand, and several players he knows well.

Some of those he knows through Northern Districts and Waikato Valley cricket, and he said the organisations have been understanding in allowing him time off early in the New Zealand season.

"They've been very good to me. I guess it's seen as a bit of professional development for me, so I'll be able to bring back something when I return home."

Pakistan's women lost all seven matches at the Cricket World Cup, finishing eighth in the round robin. New Zealand didn't fare much better, ending up in fifth place and missing out on the semifinals.