LAHORE: Fatima Sana has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the announcement on Sunday.
Fatima Sana, who has previously captained Pakistan’s emerging and domestic teams, is set to lead the squad following her standout performance in December 2023. Under her leadership, Pakistan secured a thrilling Super Over victory against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Sana takes over the captaincy from Nida Dar, the 37-year-old all-rounder who had led the team across all formats since the tenure of Bismah Maroof. Nida Dar, with a remarkable record of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is, remains an integral part of the team and will continue to contribute significantly in her role.
The Pakistan women’s team has been placed in Group A for the tournament, where they will face formidable opponents including Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The team’s preparation and selection have been meticulously planned to ensure they are competitive in the highly anticipated tournament.
The selection committee has made only one change to the squad that competed in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has been recalled to replace wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi. Alvi will travel with the team as a reserve player.
The squad retains ten players from the 2023 edition of the World Cup, ensuring a blend of continuity and experience. The retained players include Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tuba Hassan.
Notably, the squad includes uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab, adding fresh talent to the lineup. Additionally, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been selected, pending fitness clearance.
Pakistan’s 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.
Travelling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper).
Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani
