Fatima Sana to lead as Pakistan announce squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

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 take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20.

Fatima has previously led Pakistan's emerging and domestic teams and famously captained the national side to a thrilling Super Over victory against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch in December 2023.

Fatima takes over the captaincy from 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who had assumed the role of all-format captain following Bismah Maroof's tenure.

Nida, a seasoned player with 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is to her name, will continue to be a part of the squad, which has been grouped with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka in Group A.

The selection committee has made only one change to the squad that participated in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, returns to the squad, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will accompany the team as a reserve player.

The squad retains 10 players from the 2023 edition, including Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tuba Hassan. Additionally, uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab has been named in the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included, pending fitness.

Squad: 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.

Traveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper).

Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani