Fatima named captain for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Fatima Sana as the new captain of the national women’s Twenty20 team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The announcement, made on Sunday, comes ahead of the highly anticipated tournament, which is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3 to October 20. Fatima Sana, a 22-year-old bowling all-rounder, replaces Nida Dar, a seasoned player who has represented Pakistan in 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is.

Sana’s leadership experience includes captaining Pakistan’s emerging and domestic sides and leading the national team to a memorable ODI victory against New Zealand in a Super Over at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch in December 2023.

She has already made a mark with her performances, featuring in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is. The Women’s T20 World Cup was initially scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but was relocated to the UAE due to the political situation in Bangladesh. The PCB has expressed confidence in Sana’s ability to lead the team through this prestigious tournament.

The squad for the T20 World Cup retains 10 players from the 2023 edition, including Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, and Sidra Amin, among others. Uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab has been included in the final 15-member squad, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal’s inclusion is subject to fitness.

There is only one change from the squad that competed in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, with Sadaf Shams replacing Najiha Alvi. Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan Travelling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper) Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani.