We are determined to introduce a fresh and bolder approach to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE this year. Historically, we have faced challenges during the powerplay, with frequent early wickets, middle-order collapses, and a sluggish run rate resulting in low scores. Additionally, chasing targets above 120 has been a significant hurdle. We now recognize the importance of adopting a positive mindset, particularly during the powerplay, to establish momentum and achieve competitive totals. Observing the top teams, we see that they capitalize on the first six overs, enabling them to post high scores and successfully chase substantial targets.
Recently, we have begun playing with more aggressive intent, and several young players have demonstrated promising potential. The game has evolved considerably since my debut in 2019. Current scores are much higher, batters are more liberated in their approach, and as a team, we are adapting to remain competitive. This year, Gull Feroza has been in excellent form, with notable performances in the Asia Cup. Muneeba Ali, who opens the batting, also excelled in the recent series against South Africa. Both players are in fine form and bring crucial experience to the team.
We have urged them to target a strike rate exceeding 100, a critical metric that aids us in achieving higher totals and competing with the best. In the middle order, we boast seasoned players like Nida Dar, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz. I, too, am committed to contributing positively to the team’s energy through my batting. In bowling, Sadia Iqbal has been outstanding over the past year, currently ranked #3 in the ICC T20 rankings. Nashra Sandhu is also in the top 10. Nida Dar leads the T20 wicket-taking charts, and we have two talented leg spinners, Syeda Arooba Shah and Tuba Hassan, who have been pivotal since their debuts.
Both spinners bring high energy on the field, and our strong spin contingent will be vital in the Dubai conditions. In the fast-bowling department, Diana Baig’s experience will be invaluable. I will strive, as always, to contribute with both bat and ball, and we also have Tasmia Rubab, a left-arm seamer, providing us with good variety. This blend of youth and experience has me eagerly anticipating how it will all coalesce for Pakistan.
Prior to our series against South Africa, we conducted a successful fitness camp, and our performances in that series provided us with numerous positive takeaways and confidence for the World Cup. We achieved our highest-ever T20I total of 181 runs in the second match, indicating that our new approach is beginning to yield results. Although we were disheartened by our Asia Cup loss to Sri Lanka, we are determined to rectify that in our first group game of the World Cup.
Pakistan has won one match in each of the last six T20 World Cups. This time, our goal is to win as many matches as possible and see how far we can go. We are aware that we have a challenging group, including reigning champions Australia, but recent victories over teams like India and New Zealand have bolstered our confidence. Competing against top teams demands our utmost effort, and doing so brings out the best in us. We know we will have strong support from our nation during this World Cup. The South Africa series in Multan saw great crowds and public interest, and we feel the nation’s backing.
We are eagerly anticipating a fantastic T20 World Cup. — Courtesy International Cricket Council (Fatima Sana is the captain of the Pakistan women's national cricket team. The 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will take place from October 3 to October 20 in the UAE)
