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, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20.
The decision was unanimously made by the women’s national selection committee. The 22-year-old Fatima, who has played in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has previously captained Pakistan’s emerging and domestic sides. Notably, she led Pakistan to a memorable ODI victory against New Zealand in a Super Over at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in December 2023.
Fatima replaces 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who had taken over as the all-format captain from Bismah Maroof. Nida, a seasoned player with 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is to her name, will continue to be part of the squad. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The revised group fixtures will be announced by the ICC in due course.
The selection committee made only one change to the squad that participated in last month’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has returned to the squad, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will travel with the team as a reserve player.
Ten players from the 2023 edition (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 joins the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad, pending fitness clearance.
Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan.
