As i am writing this, Pakistan has lost their first warm-up to Scotland but as a Pakistani fan you don’t take practice matches to heart.
No one knew Fatima Sana would be captaining the side to the T20 World Cup. When Bismah Maroof retired from the role it was expected a younger player will be promoted to fill-up her shoes but PCB is full of surprises, this one was the least expected when Nida Dar was announced the new captain.
Nevertheless, fast forward to today, Fatima will be leading her side for the very first time in an ICC event and she is anything but hopeful.
“We are aiming to bring a different and more fearless approach to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year,” Sana said in a column for the ICC Media Zone.
The newly-appointed skipper also admitted that the side has failed to chase down the target of 120. Her aim is to instill the aggressive and fearless approach in the team as they look up to match the level of cricket played by the other nations and to stay relevant.
“Recently, we’ve started playing with more attacking intent, and some young players have shown exciting potential. The game has evolved a lot since I made my debut in 2019. Scores are much higher now, batters play with more freedom, and as a team, we’re adapting to stay competitive.”
Sana was hopeful that she has got enough in-form and experienced batters and bowlers in her roaster to do well in the upcoming T20 World Cup
“This year, Gull Feroza has been in good form, with some strong innings in the Asia Cup. Muneeba Ali, at the top of the order, also performed well in the recent series against South Africa. Both are in good form and bring valuable experience.
“We’ve encouraged them to aim for a strike rate of over 100, a key metric that helps us post higher totals and compete with the best.
“In the middle order, we have experienced players like Nida Dar, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz. I, too, have been working hard to bring positive energy to the team through my batting.”
“Sadia Iqbal has been phenomenal in the last year. She’s currently ranked No.3 in the ICC T20 rankings, and Nashra Sundhu is also in the top 10.
“Nida Dar is the leading wicket-taker in T20s, and we have two talented leg spinners, Syeda Arooba Shah, who captained Pakistan U19 at the T20 World Cup, and Tuba Hassan, who has been a key player since her debut.
“In the fast-bowling department, Diana Baig’s experience will be a great asset. I’ll do my best, as always, to contribute with both bat and ball, and we also have Tasmia Rubab, a left-arm seamer, which gives us good variety.”
Pakistan are placed in group A and they will face India, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
The girls in green will face Bangladesh in yet another warm-up on 30th September
