Fatima Sana, the young captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, faced an unimaginable choice during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. At just 22, she was forced to return to Karachi, reeling from the heartbreaking news of her father’s passing.
After attending her father’s funeral, she had to decide whether to stay with her grieving family or rejoin her team for Pakistan’s final league match, having already missed the game against six-time champions Australia. In the end, honoring her father’s wish, she made the courageous choice to step back onto the field.
In a quiet, heavy moment before Pakistan’s must-win game against New Zealand, Fatima stood on the field in Dubai, her face etched with both sorrow and resilience as she sang Pakistan’s national anthem. Once the anthem ended, she discreetly covered her face, as if trying to hold back the wave of emotion that washed over her.
It was her mother’s quiet strength and unwavering support that ultimately guided her decision. Reflecting on that difficult moment, Fatima shared, “Even after I came back, my mother asked me when I was going back. Despite her own condition, she had in mind that I’d play the next game and fulfill my father’s wish.”
Her determination did not go unnoticed, with New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, acknowledging Fatima’s mental strength, calling her the “absolute future of the women’s game.” Devine added that Fatima’s bravery “blows my mind.” In response to the heartfelt praise, Fatima shared her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to her for the kind words. They are our role models given their careers and that they won the World Cup recently. She is an inspiration for how her career has shaped out. It feels good if a player of her caliber speaks highly of us.”
Upon her return to the United Arab Emirates, Fatima received a meaningful gesture of support from India’s Shreyanka Patil. Shreyanka gifted Fatima a painting, engraved with the words “Do what you love.” This first personal encounter with an Indian player was a special moment for Fatima.
Shreyanka Patil’s gift for Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana ❤️
Such a beautiful gesture 👏 #CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4x3Lu5XO85
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 17, 2024
“It was the first time I talked to an Indian on a personal level, although I talked to them in presentation ceremonies and other times. I was touched after she gave me the gift. Given the situation with me, it was heartening to see her gift and I loved the message in it. I shared a lot of things with her and asked her about domestic and international cricket. We shared a good bond,” Fatima added.
As the newly appointed white-ball captain, Fatima made history as one of the youngest captains in the Women’s T20 World Cup, standing alongside renowned leaders like Meg Lanning and Stafanie Taylor. New to captaincy duties in international cricket, Fatima proved ready for the challenge, drawing from the expertise of her predecessor, Nida Dar. “Whenever I was struggling, I talked to Nida baaji and Muneeba (Ali), our vice-captain. Nida baaji had a lot of experience playing against India and Sri Lanka, and she helped with our tactics.”
At just 22, Fatima has already made an impressive mark on international cricket. With 46 T20I matches under her belt, she has accumulated 380 runs, her top score of 37* coming against South Africa, and claimed 35 wickets, her best figures being 3 for 18 against New Zealand.
Her leadership journey took root when she captained Pakistan in an ODI against New Zealand in December 2023, later making her T20I captaincy debut in September 2024 against South Africa. Her ODI stats are equally notable, with 482 runs and 51 wickets from 41 matches, including an unbeaten 90-run knock against New Zealand at Hagley Oval that drew the spotlight.
(Quotes sourced from India Today)
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