The excitement is palpable as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This highly anticipated tournament will feature matches taking place from October 3 to 20, primarily in the vibrant cities of Dubai and Sharjah. As teams finalize their rosters, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant decision that is shaking up the dynamics of the women’s team, especially in light of their recent performance.
Pakistan’s New Captain Takes Charge
In a surprising move, the PCB has removed Nida Dar from her captaincy role, appointing 22-year-old fast bowler Fatima Sana as the new captain of the national team. This will mark Fatima’s debut as captain in T20 International play, and she brings with her a wealth of experience for someone so young, having already captained Pakistan in two One Day Internationals. With a record that includes 41 ODIs and 40 T20 matches for the women’s team, Fatima is ready to take on the leadership challenge.
Insights into Fatima Sana’s Leadership
Fatima’s ascension to captaincy comes at a critical time for Pakistan after a disappointing run in the Women’s Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka. Her dynamic playstyle and tactical awareness are expected to inspire a new level of performance from the team as they aim for success on the world stage. Previously, Nida Dar had been leading the team in all formats, having taken over from Bismah Maroof. This change signifies PCB’s commitment to revitalizing the squad’s competitive spirit and effectiveness in international cricket.
Group Stage Challenges Ahead
As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, Pakistan finds itself in Group A alongside formidable teams like India, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The competition is fierce, and each match will be critical for Pakistan to establish its prowess in women’s cricket. The squad for this global event shows only one replacement from the previous Asia Cup roster: right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas is back in the mix, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Nazihah Alvi, which adds depth to the batting lineup.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Captain | Fatima Sana |
| All-Rounder | Alia Riaz |
| Bowler | Diana Baig |
| Batswoman | Gul Firoza |
| All-Rounder | Iram Javed |
| Wicketkeeper | Muniba Ali |
| Bowler | Nashra Sandhu |
| All-Rounder | Nida Dar |
| Batswoman | Omaima Sohail |
| Batswoman | Sadaf Shamas |
| Bowler | Sadia Iqbal |
| Batswoman | Sidra Amin |
| Bowler | Sayida Arub Shah |
| Batswoman | Tasmia Rubab |
| Bowler | Tuba Hassan |
Travel Reserves
Traveling Reserve: Nazihah Alvi (Wicketkeeper)
Non-Traveling Reserves: Rameen Shameem and Umme Hani
As the matches draw closer, the anticipation builds for Pakistan’s women’s team and their new captain, Fatima Sana. Fans are hopeful that this change in leadership, coupled with the young talent in the squad, will lead to a strong performance in the World Cup.
