Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana during a match between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on October 6, 2024. Photo: AFP
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana returned home following the passing of her father, missing the team's crucial group match against Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup on Friday. Wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali stepped in as the stand-in captain for the Group A encounter, aiming to secure a victory that would keep Pakistan's semi-final hopes alive.
"It's a tragic loss, but we must continue despite this setback," Ali remarked at the toss in Dubai. "We will certainly miss her presence." Sana, the youngest captain in the tournament at just 22 years old, had previously made a significant impact, scoring 30 runs and taking two wickets in their opening win against Sri Lanka. Although Pakistan suffered a defeat against arch-rivals India in their second group match, they still have a chance to advance to the semi-finals from their group, with the top two teams qualifying.
