Pakistan captain Fatima Sana believes her side is heading into the Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana says the side has grown in confidence and maturity ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with greater maturity, confidence and clarity than ever before, as the team looks to turn steady progress into a genuine challenge on the global stage.
After enduring a difficult few years of inconsistency, Pakistan arrives in England buoyed by encouraging recent performances. A dominant home season, which included 3-0 sweeps over Zimbabwe in both ODIs and T20Is, has helped build momentum, while a preparatory tri-series in Ireland against West Indies and the hosts is expected to provide valuable match practice before the World Cup begins.
For Fatima, who will captain Pakistan at a second successive Women’s T20 World Cup, the biggest change has been the team’s growth in understanding pressure situations and managing key moments in matches. “We have grown a lot in terms of confidence, clarity and game awareness,” Fatima wrote in her ICC column. “The team now understands better how to manage key moments in matches and how to respond under pressure. Experiences from major tournaments always help shape a group and I believe this team is becoming more mature with every series and tournament we play.”
That development has been a major focus behind the scenes. Pakistan’s preparations have extended beyond technical skills, with team management placing significant emphasis on mindset and decision-making under pressure. The captain revealed that players have embraced the challenge of preparing for one of the biggest events in women’s cricket. “Preparation has been very productive so far. The players understand the responsibility of representing Pakistan at a major tournament, so the focus and intensity in training has been really good. As well as skills, we have also worked a lot on mindset which is very important in big games.”
Pakistan’s squad blends experienced campaigners with an emerging group of young cricketers who have impressed in recent seasons. The leadership group will once again rely heavily on established names such as opener Muneeba Ali, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal and fellow spinner Nashra Sandhu, all of whom have delivered consistently in major tournaments. Alongside them, a younger generation is beginning to assume greater responsibility, giving Pakistan added depth across departments.
Fatima believes that balance could prove crucial in a tournament where adaptability and composure often separate contenders from pretenders. “What is great about this team is the balance between young girls and experienced players. We have match-winners in different departments and players who can step up in pressure situations. We have players like Muneeba Ali, Sadia (Iqbal) and Nashra (Sandhu) who have consistently performed and have valuable experience of playing in major tournaments.”
The upcoming competition will be the largest Women’s T20 World Cup to date, featuring 12 teams and a record prize-money pool. Fatima sees the tournament as another landmark moment in the rapid growth of women’s cricket worldwide, with increased investment creating greater opportunities for players and inspiring future generations.
“This tournament is a strong statement for women’s cricket. The investment in the women’s game has been great. It gives players more belief, more opportunities and shows young girls that women’s cricket is being valued at the highest level. This will help push the game forward in the right direction.”
Pakistan have been drawn in a daunting Group A alongside India, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Their campaign begins with a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India on June 14 in Birmingham before matches against Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands. While Pakistan may not enter the tournament among the favourites, Fatima’s words reflect a team that believes it is steadily closing the gap. With a stronger core, greater experience and renewed confidence, Pakistan will hope this World Cup marks another step forward in their journey on the international stage.
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