Fatima Sana wants to take Pakistan to the World Cup semi-finals

Published - 04 Sept 2025, 16:31 IST | Updated - 04 Sept 2025, 17:05 IST

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana is set to lead the national side for the first time at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which begins on September 30. The talented all-rounder, determined to make a strong impact and fully aware of the tournament’s significance, has her sights set on improving Pakistan’s performances after their underwhelming outings in previous editions. Her ultimate goal is to guide the team into the top four for the first time in their history.

Pakistan have featured in five editions of the Women’s ODI World Cup since making their debut in 1997. However, they have managed just three victories across those campaigns, with their most recent win coming against the West Indies in 2022.

“This time, the jinx will definitely be broken because the young players know how important this tournament is for Pakistan women’s cricket. We will not think about the past. My goal is to take the team to the semifinals,” Sana said as quoted by ICC.

Under Sana’s leadership, the team has already shown positive signs, most notably through their unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, which secured their place in the showpiece event. The 33-year-old also welcomed the ICC’s announcement of record prize money for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, describing it as a landmark step forward for women’s cricket, which will motivate youngsters to take up the sport.

“In Pakistan, girls have started playing cricket in schools and international matches are being telecast live. ICC has also taken a good initiative by increasing the prize money for the Women’s World Cup, which will inspire budding players in Pakistan. But there is still a barrier which we have to break through this tournament,” she said furt.

The Women in Green will kick off their campaign at the global event against Bangladesh on October 2, set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sindhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar