The Pakistan women’s team captain, Fatima Sana will come back to Karachi on Thursday by availing the first available flight because of the sudden demise of her father, a PCB media statement said. She won’t be available to play Pakistan’s next match against Australia in Dubai on Friday.
The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi also expressed grief at the sudden death of Fatima Sana’s father. He conveyed his sympathy to Fatima saying, “May Allah grant you and the bereaved family patience.”
Also the team management and other team-mates conveyed their consolation to Fatima Sana.
Vice captain Muneeba Ali will take her responsibility in her absence. The stand-in skipper also admitted that she and her team will miss Fatima Sana and acknowledged Australia is number one team and it will require effort to beat the best in the business.
“Yes Australia is the world’s number 1 team, but the pressure is not much because we don’t have anything to lose and if we win it will be a historic occasion. We will try to play our best cricket and express ourselves”
Without Sana it will be tough for Pakistan women’s team to proceed successfully, because it is necessary for them to win at least one match or more preferably both matches, to secure their position in the semi-finals from a strong Group A.
They are holding third position in the group after a win and loss each from their two previous games. After the Australia game, Pakistan will round off their group stage against New Zealand in Dubai on Monday.
Sana, aged 22, the youngest captain in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, has an important role in Pakistan team, excelling in both batting and bowling formats.
She made a highest score 30 which was a top score against a total of 116 and took up two significant wickets by giving only 10 runs in 2.5 overs, including that of Chamari Athapaththu, in their opening match against Sri Lanka team.
While playing against India, Sana performed her captaincy role with confidence while chasing the small target. She took important wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh which gave India a tough time and ensured Pakistan’s net run rate didn’t take a massive hit.
Since taking over captaincy from Nida Dar, Fatima Sana has emphasised the importance of a stronger batting strategy for the Pakistan women’s cricket team. This shift aims to enhance performance by combining traditional skills with modern insights.
It is yet to be seen who will replace Fatima in the line-up as Diana Baig is also injured. She picked up the injury in the opening match against Sri Lanka. The stand-in skipper Muneeba will also be under immense pressure as she is yet to make a mark in this ongoing T20 World Cup as she could not perform up to the mark against Sri Lanka and India.
