When Pakistan named Fatima Sana as their skipper for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, it seemed more like a shot in the foot than a brave decision. The experienced Nida Dar led Pakistan to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup, and it was hard to comprehend the reasons behind not giving her the leadership duties for the mega event in the United Arab Emirates.
The fact that Fatima never captained the national team in T20Is raised eyebrows even more. The decision seemed to have backfired when Pakistan lost 2-1 to South Africa at home. Fatima kept feeling the heat after her side slumped to defeats in both their warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh. It was starting to go haywire for Fatima and Pakistan.
But Fatima turned around, and how!
Fatima Sana’s heroics
On Friday, October 4, Fatima gave an account of her leadership skills in the group match against Sri Lanka. Starting with, at the age of 22 years and 330 days, she became the third youngest to captain a team in a T20 World Cup match. Only the legendary Meg Lanning (21 years and 363 days) and Stafanie Taylor (22 years and 294 days) are ahead of her.
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Fatima breathed fire, led from the front and bagged the Player of the Match award after Pakistan beat the Islanders by 31 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It was her 30-run knock off 20 balls that injected momentum into the innings, helping Pakistan crawl to 116 in 20 overs.
Batting at No.6, she took on the Sri Lankan bowlers, including opposition skipper Chamari Athapaththu, collecting three fours and a six. On a difficult pitch to bat on, Fatima showed her fearless approach and made sure that Pakistan reached a respectable score.
Captain to Captain
Early in Sri Lanka’s run-chase, Pakistan were dealt with a body blow as pacer Diana Baig hobbled off the park after sustaining an injury on her calf. She looked in unbearable pain despite receiving treatment and went away after bowling only a solitary delivery. Immediately, Fatima raised her hands and completed the over.
In her second over, Fatima jolted Sri Lanka by getting the wicket of her opposite number. Athapaththu tried to clear the in-field on the off-side, but holed out to Omaima Sohail. Later, Fatima got the wicket of Sachini Nisansala to finish with figures of 2.5-0-10-2.
On the back of her spell, Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 85 for nine. Earlier this year, Pakistan lost a close semi-final to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, but this time, they made a comeback with the best possible start, thanks to the all-round showing from Fatima.
Fatima Sana needs nurturing
Apart from Nida Dar, who is at the fag end of her international career, Pakistan haven’t quite had the all-rounder for the long haul. But at a young age, Fatima has given a glimpse into a bright future. Moreover, Fatima has set major goals for herself, aiming to become the fastest bowler in international cricket, going past former South African pacer Shabnim Ismail.
“My speeds are between 110 or 115 [kph] at the moment. I want to be quicker, but skilful as well. Shabnim Ismail is also small, and she bowled the fastest ball as well. I don’t have an excuse, and in fact, I have a proper example, Fatima told ESPNcricinfo.
Having already played 41 ODIs and 44 T20Is since her debut back in 2019 as a 17-year-old, Fatima has taken giant strides in her career. It now depends on how the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) steps up and takes care of one of their brightest stars.
If Fatima Sana can keep up with her fitness, energy and consistency, Pakistan might produce one of the best all-rounders, not only in their cricket circuit, but around the world.
Source Agencies
