Out of the run

Pakistan's spirited campaign in the Women's T20 World Cup began with an inspiring 31-run victory over Sri Lanka, setting a promising tone. The team's determination and resilience were on full display in that opener, where they fought back to claim an impressive win. However, the early success did not translate into sustained momentum, as subsequent losses against India, Australia, and ultimately New Zealand sealed their fate in the tournament.

Despite flashes of brilliance, the Pakistan team faced harsh realities, particularly in their final group match against New Zealand. In this game, they crumbled under pressure, bowled out for a mere 56 runs in 11.4 overs, chasing a modest target of 111. Fine bowling from New Zealand's Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson proved too much for Pakistan's batting, exposing weaknesses that had already begun to emerge in previous games. The team's shaky batting, combined with costly fielding mistakes, such as the eight dropped catches, reduced their chances significantly. Skipper Fatima Sana aptly pointed out the need for senior players to step up during high-pressure games. The pressure to chase down the target in just 10.4 overs, required to qualify for the semi-final stage based on net run rate, further complicated their already challenging task. The early dismissals of Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali set the tone for a collapse, leaving the team unable to recover.

While Pakistan showed moments of strong bowling and grit, their inconsistency with the bat and in the field proved to be their undoing. These shortcomings must be addressed if they hope to be competitive in future tournaments. However, the takeaway should not be one of defeat but of growth. The tournament showed the immense potential within the squad. With a stronger focus on improvement, particularly in batting and fielding, the team can turn their setbacks into stepping stones for future success.