Riding high on the waves of determination, teamwork, and a touch of fate, the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team has successfully qualified for the Women’s Cricket World Cup, with Captain Fatima Sana crediting divine support, tireless effort, and strategic execution for the team’s success.
Speaking to the media after sealing their World Cup spot, Fatima Sana said, “I led from the front, and with Allah’s help, we’ve qualified for the World Cup. Now, I’m focused on winning at least one match at the mega event.”
Reflecting on her journey, she noted the vital role of bowling coach Junaid Khan in sharpening her reverse swing, adding that the presence of two pacers in the team—herself and Diana Baig—has added new depth to the squad’s bowling attack.
“It’s not just spinners taking wickets anymore—fast bowlers are making their mark too,” she said confidently.
Among her most cherished moments in the qualifiers was dismissing Hayley Matthews, a scalp she described as “memorable.”
Sana emphasised the need for high-level series ahead of the World Cup, urging for fixtures against Australia, England, and other strong sides.
“We want these matches to prepare better. It’s now up to the PCB to organise them,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ramin Shamim, another key member of the squad, said the team took a match-by-match approach during the qualifiers.
“We didn’t take any opponent lightly. Every game had a plan, and we stuck to it. Now, the goal is to play and perform in the World Cup,” she shared.
The team’s morale is soaring, thanks to solid crowd support and disciplined performances, particularly in home conditions. According to Ramin, “Our aim was to control the run rate first—the wickets came naturally after that.”
Head Coach Muhammad Wasim lauded the squad for a “complete team performance”, especially during the convincing victory over Thailand.
“It was teamwork all the way. We handled the pressure well, even in the difficult weather conditions of Lahore,” he said.
Wasim acknowledged the challenge of managing player workload and praised the team’s adaptability. “We tested our bench strength today. The hot weather is tough, and we’re pacing our resources smartly,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Wasim made it clear that the 50-over format aligns well with Pakistan’s playing style. “We’re not just aiming for the semi-final—we want to play the final. Whether it’s in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Dubai or Lahore, we’re ready to take the field,” he said.
