Pakistan captain Fatima Sana will return to Dubai to join her team for the must-win Women's T20 World Cup 2024 clash against New Zealand on October 14. Sana had to fly back home on October 10 as per father passed away. She did not play in the clash against Australia and Muneeba Ali led in her absence.
In her absence, Pakistan suffered a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of defending champions Australia. Pakistan missed their young all-rounder dearly as they were bowled out for 82 and Australia chased down the target in 11 overs.
This is not the first time a cricketer has put aside personal loss and turned up for the team at the big stage. In Men's ODI World Cup 1999, legendary Sachin Tendulkar flew back from England to India after his father passed away. He rejoined his team and scored a match-winning century against Kenya.
For the must-win clash, senior pacer Diana Baig has been ruled out as she failed to recover from a right calf muscle injury sustained during their tournament opener against Sri Lanka on October 3. In Baig’s absence, Sana’s presence becomes even more crucial for Pakistan’s chances of beating New Zealand.
Baig’s replacement
Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been added to the squad as her replacement after getting the approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Najiha has played 12 ODIs and eight T20Is. She has scored 170 runs at an average of 21.25 in the ODI format. In T20Is, she is yet to score double digits in four innings she has batted in.
How Pakistan can qualify for the semifinals
While it is an uphill battle for Pakistan, they are not entirely ruled out of Women's T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal race. If Australia beat Harmanpreet Kaur's India on October 13, Pakistan have to beat New Zealand to make their place in last four. They will need to get their net run rate (NRR) above India and New Zealand.
Head-to-head
Pakistan have gone up against New Zealand in the format 11 times and tasted win only twice. However, these two wins came in 2023 when they toured New Zealand.
