Just after the disappointing performance at Asia Cup this year, Nida Dar was relieved from her duties as captain. But stepping up in her place is the promising Fatima Sana who at 22 years old is confident about her team’s capabilities.
Speaking to Grassroots Cricket she expressed confidence and trust in the team to do well, she said ‘We have prepared well for the mega event. The series against South Africa at home before coming to the UAE helped us know our strengths and allowed our batters to show their form.’
Pakistan’s 15 member squad to the consists of 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, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan and Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper) as the traveling reserve and non-traveling reserves include Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani.
Top order is where Pakistan thrives having options of reliable Muneeba Ali holding down forth and has been Pakistan’s star batter for a while with the only woman batter to score a century in a T20 format, with Bismah Mahroof gone she has some very big shoes to fill.
Joining Muneeba Ali in the opening comes in Gull Feroza downing a 56 on her back and declaring cover drive as her favorite shot to play, reminding us of a certain star batter from the same country but with a modern outlook to the game. Gull has been instrumental in Pakistan's recent success, winning Player of the Match in both of Pakistan's victories at the Asia Cup. She showcased her consistency with back-to-back half-centuries, scoring 57 against Nepal and an unbeaten 62 against the UAE.
Coming to position number 3 comes in Sadaf Shams, perhaps Pakistan’s most important batter yet, replacing Bismah Mahroof after her retirement makes her very crucial, she has been fairly consistent in the match against England in the first T20; a 24-ball 35 that showcased seven boundaries proves her ability to bat with intent that a modern T20 game requires.
Pakistan women’s middle and lower-order options include Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan being promoted if needed.
Nida Dar, often regarded as Pakistan’s greatest T20 player, remains a vital part of the squad due to her ability to change the game with both bat and ball. With 1,964 runs in 134 WT20I innings and a record 142 wickets, her utility is undeniable, despite recent struggles with form and fitness. Currently trailing behind only Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, and Gull Feroza in the runs chart for 2024, Nida’s experience still makes her a crucial asset.
Aliya Riaz is another player whose performances fluctuate but who remains an essential part of the team. With 1,035 T20I runs, Aliya’s ability to redeem herself in crucial moments has earned her a place in the squad despite inconsistencies.
Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan has proved in the recent home series against South Africa that they can score quick fire runs as well as properly bat if the team requires they could be promoted according to the situation and they have the ability to take the team to success.
Leading Pakistan’s Pace attack is Fatima Sana, the country’s newly appointed captain, who is poised to play a crucial role in the World Cup. Known for her all-round capabilities, Fatima impressed in Pakistan’s 2023 tour of New Zealand, taking career-best figures of 3-18 and winning the Player of the Match award. Her consistency continued, with 3-22 in the next game, helping Pakistan become the first Asian side to win a series in New Zealand. Fatima's leadership skills were further demonstrated when she captained Pakistan after Nida Dar’s injury, scoring an unbeaten 90 in an ODI despite a loss.
Diana Baig, Fatima’s bowling partner, is another critical player, whose fitness and control over line and length have made her a trusted figure in the team. While fitness concerns have limited her participation, Diana’s impact when bowling alongside Fatima has proven crucial in multiple series, including in England and New Zealand.
On the spin front, Tuba Hassan and Syeda Aroob Shah bring a refreshing leg-spin option to Pakistan’s roster. Tuba, Quetta’s leading run-scorer and wicket-taker at the NWT20, continues to develop as a dangerous leg-spinner, while Aroob’s 14 wickets at the same tournament make her a valuable asset. With Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal forming a reliable slow-left-arm duo, Pakistan’s bowling attack appears well-rounded heading into the World Cup.
Pakistan fixtures in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:
3 October vs Sri Lanka (1900 PKT); Sharjah Cricket Stadium
6 October vs India (1500 PKT); Dubai International Cricket Stadium
11 October vs Australia (1900 PKT); Dubai International Cricket Stadium
14 October vs New Zealand (1900 PKT); Dubai International Cricket Stadium
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