Najiha Alvi has been called up to replace injured Diana Baig in Pakistan’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad. Alvi will be part of the squad for their final group match against New Zealand on Monday. Meanwhile, captain Fatima Sana returns after missing the previous game due to her father’s passing.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign faces a major setback with captain Fatima Sana’s urgent departure due to a family emergency. The team now faces a challenging period without their key leader and player, and new captain Muneeba Ali must guide the team through a difficult emotional and competitive phase. Despite the adversity, Pakistan remains determined to fight for their World Cup ambitions.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana acknowledged her team’s shortcomings after a six-wicket defeat to India in the Women’s T20 World Cup, stating that they were 15 runs short of a winning total. Sana felt that a score above 130 would have been enough to win, highlighting the impact of the slow pitch and Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on the powerplay. Despite a strong performance by the bowlers, Sana expressed that they missed opportunities to take wickets at crucial moments, ultimately costing them the match.
India faces a crucial T20 World Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan following a disappointing loss to New Zealand. While India boasts a strong head-to-head record, the current situation demands a powerful performance to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a revamped squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in UAE, with 22-year-old Fatima Sana taking over the captaincy from Nida Dar. This change comes after a series of disappointing performances by the team, including a semi-final exit at the Women’s Asia Cup. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, ready to face their group stage opponents: Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
England Women’s cricket team captain Heather Knight has expressed her excitement about the upcoming series against Pakistan, highlighting the talent of the visiting team and her admiration for Fatima Sana. Pakistan will embark on a tour of England in May, marking their first bilateral series in eight years, and Knight acknowledges the challenges they pose. The series will feature three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals, with Knight expecting competitive matches and enthusiastic crowd support. The tour also holds significance as it comes after England’s men’s team toured Pakistan twice in 2022. Knight remains hopeful that her team will visit Pakistan in the future and expresses her desire to experience the country’s cricketing culture. The introduction of a new first-class system for women’s cricket in England has also been welcomed by Knight, who believes it will provide greater opportunities for female players.
