Fatima Sana appointed Pakistan Captain for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

ISLAMABAD: Fatima Sana has been named the captain of the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20.

The decision was taken unanimously by the Women’s National Selection Committee.

The 22-year-old Fatima, who has played 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has previously led Pakistan’s emerging and domestic teams. She also captained Pakistan to a famous ODI win against New Zealand in a Super Over at Hagley Oval in Christchurch in December 2023.

Fatimah will replace 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who has taken over the all-format captaincy from Bismah Maroof. Nida, a veteran of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is, is part of the team that has been drawn in Group A along with Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

The selection committee has made only one change to the squad, which was involved in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month.

Right-handed batsman Sadaf Shams, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has returned to the squad in place of wicket-keeper batsman Najiha Alvi, who is in the squad as a reserve player.

From the 2023 edition, 10 players (Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Tuba Hassan) have been retained, while uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab makes it to the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad subject to fitness.

Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.