By Caroline Chepkorir

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024; Fatima Sana has been named captain for the short format, replacing Nida Dar. The team under 37-year-old Nida Dar suffered defeats in England’s T20 and ODI series.

Although she is not named as captain, Nida Dar is still in the team for the 2023 edition. She has an impressive record of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is. The premier women’s cricket tournament is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in October. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but was relocated due to the political situation in the country.

Fatima Sana, 22, has played in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is. She has also captained Pakistan’s emerging and domestic teams. She led the team to an ODI win against New Zealand in the 2023 Super Over in Christchurch.

“Bismillah! There is no greater honour than to lead your country on any stage. I am deeply honoured by the great responsibility entrusted to me by the Pakistan Cricket Board. I humbly request for your support and prayers as I begin this new chapter of my career. As always, I will give my all to make Pakistan proud,” posted Fatima Sana X, formerly known as Twitter.

The board also recalled right-handed batswoman Sadfa Shamas. She was part of the ICC Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. The reserve player will be Najiha Alvi.

“Fatima Sana has been named captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. The decision was taken unanimously by the women’s national selection committee,” the Pakistan Cricket Association said in media reports.

The Pakistan women’s team has been placed in Group A for the tournament, where they will face intimidating opponents like Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The preparation and selection of the team has been done in such a way that they are up to the task in the anticipated tournament.