The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Fatima Sana as the new captain of the national women’s cricket team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The 22-year-old all-rounder replaces Nida Dar as captain, though Dar will continue to play a pivotal role within the team. Fatima Sana’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by the PCB, highlighting their confidence in her leadership abilities despite her relatively young age.
Fatima Sana’s rise to captaincy has been marked by impressive performances and leadership experience at various levels of cricket. She has previously led Pakistan Emerging and domestic teams, showcasing her ability to guide her side to success.
Notably, she captained Pakistan in a memorable ODI victory against New Zealand, further solidifying her credentials as a capable leader. Her all-round skills, combined with her leadership qualities, made her the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy from Nida Dar.
The decision to appoint Fatima Sana as captain was made unanimously by the Women’s national selection committee, which has recognized her potential to lead the team effectively on the global stage. Under her captaincy, Pakistan will look to make a significant impact in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
As Pakistan prepares for the tournament, the squad remains largely unchanged from the team that competed in the recent Women’s Asia Cup.
The only alteration is the inclusion of right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who replaces wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi. Alvi, who has been a part of the team in previous competitions, will still be part of the World Cup campaign as a reserve player. This change reflects the selectors’ strategy to strengthen the batting lineup while maintaining depth in the squad.
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, positioning the team as a formidable contender.
The competition in Group A is expected to be fierce, with Pakistan set to face cricketing powerhouses such as Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
Fatima Sana’s leadership will be crucial as Pakistan aims to navigate this challenging group and make a deep run in the tournament. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, the team is gearing up to showcase their skills on the world stage under the guidance of their new captain.