Pakistan have announced their squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in October. The squad has come as a surprise as regular captain Nida Dar has been removed from her post with immediate effect.
Young all-rounder Fatima Sana has been named the new captain of the Pakistan women’s team for the tournament. The decision to replace Nida Dar as captain has been taken just before the grand tournament, creating even more excitement.
However, Pakistan’s recent performances under Nida Dar have been mediocre. They lost to Sri Lanka for the second time in a row in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup and crashed out of the tournament. It will be a tough task for young Fatima to lift the team for the upcoming big tournament.
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Pakistan announce squad for 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
The team has a lot of inexperienced players who have not played at this level before. It is a young team that is capable of surprising any team on their day. The presence of Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail brings some experience that will be useful for the team.
Fatima Sana will lead the 15-member squad. Despite being just 22, Fatima Sana has a wealth of international experience. She has played 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is so far.
Pakistan have announced the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup which will now be held in the United Arab Emirates.
Fatima Sana will captain the team while the team will be joined by a new sensation in the pace bowling line-up, Tasmia Rubab. #T20WorldCup | #Cricket | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/Vll5HFCWYG
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) August 25, 2024
The selectors have made just one change from the squad that played in Sri Lanka last month for the 2024 Asia Cup. Right-handed batsman Sadaf Shamas has returned to the team in place of wicketkeeper-batsman Najiha Alvi, who will travel as a reserve player for the tournament. Shamas was also part of Pakistan’s squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup.
A change from the 2024 Women’s Asian Cup
Left-handed off-spinner Tasmia Rubab has also made it to the 15-member squad. Rubab’s inclusion is crucial for Pakistan as they now have an X-factor in the form of a left-handed off-spinner. However, it remains to be seen whether she will get a chance to play in her first T20 World Cup or not.
Right-handed batsman Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has returned to the squad in place of wicketkeeper-batsman Najiha Alvi, who will travel with the team as a reserve player. Experienced left-handed bowler Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad, but her participation is subject to her fitness.
Although Nida Dar is not the captain of the team, her role with the ball will be crucial. Nida Dar has contributed immensely to Pakistan cricket over the years.
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, but the country’s recent political turmoil forced the ICC to host the event outside the country. It was eventually decided that the tournament would be held in the United Arab Emirates, although the dates have not yet been finalised by the governing board.
Pakistan squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to physical fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan