Mohammed Baha’a
The new captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup is Fatima Sana. Following the team’s success at the last Asia Cup, the 22-year-old replaces the experienced Nida Dar in a significant change in leadership. As part of this change, Sadaf Shamas has been called up to replace Najiha Alvi, who will now serve as a reserve player for the tournament.
Despite her young age, Fatima Sana has already shown a lot of potential and leadership qualities. During last year’s tour to New Zealand in December, she led the national team in two One Day Internationals (ODIs). Although she has not yet captained the team in T20 Internationals (T20Is), she has captained Pakistan’s emerging and national teams in the past, proving her leadership qualities on the world stage. Since making her debut for Pakistan in 2019, Sana has played 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, taking 82 wickets and scoring two half-centuries in ODIs.
Reflecting on her new position, Sana expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, “There is no greater honor than leading your country on any stage. I am deeply humbled by the great responsibility entrusted to me by @TheRealPCB. I humbly request your support and prayers as I begin this new chapter of my career. As always, I will give my all to make Pakistan proud.”
After Pakistan missed out on the Asia Cup finals last month, the women’s national selection committee decided to appoint Sana as the new captain and revamp the team’s line-up and leadership. Although she is no longer the captain, Nida Dar, who is fully committed to the team, will always remain an important member.
Apart from the change in leadership, Pakistan has made some changes to its team. To strengthen the batting line-up, right-handed batsman Sadaf Shamas has been brought back. Starting with a high-profile match against India on October 6, the team is ready to face strong rivals in the T20 World Cup. As part of its preparation for the tournament, Pakistan will also challenge England and West Indies in its warm-up matches.
Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup Squad:
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (depending on fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah , Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.
Reserves:
Travelling replacement: Najiha Alvi (wicket keeper)
Non-travelling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani
With the aim of making an impression at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s new-formed team and new leadership bring new hope and determination.
