Perth Scorchers have bolstered their squad for the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) by signing Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, marking a historic moment as she becomes only the second Pakistani player to feature in the tournament after former skipper Nida Dar. The 24-year-old all-rounder will be available for the Scorchers’ first eight matches, with her stay potentially extended if she receives clearance to skip a Pakistan training camp ahead of the West Indies tour expected to begin in the second week of December.
The WBBL, set to commence on October 29 and run through December 5, 2026, welcomes a player in scintillating form. Sana has evolved into Pakistan’s most prolific woman cricketer this year, leading both in wickets and runs. In 2026 alone, she has claimed 31 wickets in 20 innings at an economy of 7.35, while smashing 540 runs at a strike rate of 149.58. Her recent heroics include guiding Pakistan to a bronze medal at the 4th Asian Games in Japan, where her side defeated Bangladesh by 31 runs at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on September 22.
“I’ve watched the WBBL from Pakistan and always wondered what it would feel like to be part of this great competition,” Sana said in a Scorchers statement. “To now wear the Scorchers colours, represent such a great club and walk out at the WACA Ground in front of members and fans, while being cheered on by people back home, is incredibly special. This really is a dream come true.”
Sana’s arrival adds significant depth to a Perth Scorchers outfit hungry for silverware. The Scorchers, who lifted their lone WBBL title in the 7th edition (2021), have finished as runners-up three times, in 2016, 2017, and most recently in 2025. They begin their WBBL|12 campaign with a home fixture against Melbourne Renegades at the WACA on October 31 at 1:40 PM IST in the tournament’s fifth match.
This will be Sana’s second overseas T20 league appearance in 2026. Earlier this year, she became the first Pakistani woman to play in The Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix as a wildcard replacement for Australia’s Lucy Hamilton at the minimum salary of £15,000. Across six matches and five innings, she scored 57 runs at a strike rate of 107.54 and an average of 19, while picking up three wickets at an economy of 7.97. She has also featured in the Women’s CPL (2022) and New Zealand’s Women’s Super Smash (2023).
Fatima Sana has led Pakistan since the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and was the leading fast-bowling wicket-taker at this year’s tournament, claiming 11 strikes at an economy of 6.95. Overall, she finished joint-second-highest wicket-taker alongside Sophie Molineux with 11 wickets, behind only N Shree Charani’s 14.
For the Scorchers, Sana’s dual-threat capability offers tactical flexibility in the middle order and with the new ball. Her ability to contribute in both departments makes her an ideal fit for the WACA’s traditionally pace-friendly surface. As Perth aim to convert their recent runner-up finishes into another title, Sana’s arrival could prove to be the catalyst they need to go one step further in WBBL 12.
(Quotes sourced from Cricinfo)
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