Improved Pakistan seek to shine at the T20 World Cup
Writing a column for the ICC, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana was confident of her side’s chances at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Leading Pakistan for a second time at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, captain Fatima Sana was fairly confident of overseeing an improved contingent at the event.
Pakistan were in fine form at home, defeating Zimbabwe by 3-0 in both the ODI and T20I series, and the team would look to take the same into the upcoming tri-series against Ireland and West Indies, and then the T20 World Cup.
A captain's cameo by Fatima Sana | WT20WC 2024
Writing in her column for the ICC, skipper Fatima mentioned how Pakistan had grown as a side.
“We have grown a lot in terms of confidence, clarity and game awareness,” Fatima wrote. “The team now understands better how to manage key moments in matches and how to respond under pressure.
“Experiences from major tournaments always help shape a group and I believe this team is becoming more mature with every series and tournament we play.”
Best of Muneeba Ali | Women's T20WC 2023
Best of Muneeba Ali | Women's T20WC 2023
Fatima stressed on the fact that the team had worked on improving itself, and that their training was in sync with the important tournament ahead.
“Preparation has been very productive so far. The players understand the responsibility of representing Pakistan at a major tournament, so the focus and intensity in training has been really good. As well as skills, we have also worked a lot on mindset which is very important in big games.”
While the high intensity tournament brings pressure with it, Fatima also wanted to revel in the moment and build a memory for the lifetime.
“The best thing about major tournaments is being able to test yourself against the best players and teams in the world while carrying your country’s badge on your chest.
“World Cups bring pressure, emotion and memories together. Those are the moments that every cricketer dreams of being part of, and I’m looking forward to taking to the field with my teammates.
“It was an honour to lead the team at the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, and I’m thrilled to once again be able to captain the side at this tournament.”
Fatima was confident that Pakistan had a fair mix of talent and experience to make an impact on the tournament. She marked out experienced players to come good
“What is great about this team is the balance between young girls and experienced players. We have match-winners in different departments and players who can step up in pressure situations. We have players like Muneeba Ali, Sadia [Iqbal] and Nashra [Sandhu] who have consistently performed and have valuable experience of playing in major tournaments.”
ALL THE SQUADS AT THE ICC WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP 2026
Every Sadia Iqbal wicket | WT20WC 2024
Every Sadia Iqbal wicket from the Women's T20 World Cup in 2024
The upcoming event will be the biggest-ever T20 World Cup ever, with 12 teams partaking in the tournament.
Fatima believed that it had the potential of leaving a significant impact on women’s cricket.
“This tournament is a strong statement for women’s cricket. The investment in the women’s game has been great. It gives players more belief, more opportunities and shows young girls that women’s cricket is being valued at the highest level. This will help push the game forward in the right direction.”
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands and South Africa, and will begin their campaign on June 14 against arch-rivals India.