Pakistan’s women’s cricket continues to make historic strides as four players from their unbeaten squad have been named in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier Team of the Tournament. The team, selected by a panel of expert commentators including Andrew Leonard, Marina Iqbal, Kainat Imtiaz, and Joel Manning, is a testament to Pakistan’s dominant run in the qualifiers.
Fatima Sana Leads the Team of the Tournament
Fatima Sana, who played a pivotal all-round role for Pakistan, has been named captain of the Team of the Tournament. Her leadership and impactful performances with both bat and ball helped Pakistan win all five of their matches, topping the table and earning a spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Sana took 12 wickets at an average of 12.25, with a miserly economy rate of under four runs per over. She also chipped in with the bat, scoring 106 runs, including a vital unbeaten 62 against Thailand.
Pakistan’s Quartet of Excellence
In addition to Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadia Iqbal have also earned spots in the elite XI.
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Muneeba Ali, who opened the batting, amassed 223 runs, notching crucial half-centuries against Scotland and Bangladesh. Her consistent starts set the tone for Pakistan’s campaign.
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Nashra Sandhu, the reliable left-arm spinner, claimed wickets in every single match, with standout performances including three-wicket hauls against Ireland and Thailand. Her ability to break partnerships proved crucial throughout the qualifiers.
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Sadia Iqbal added depth to Pakistan’s bowling attack, finishing with nine wickets at 16.22 and an economy of just 3.84 runs per over.
This impressive Pakistani presence underscores their dominance in the tournament and raises hopes for a strong showing in the main event.
A Multinational XI
The Team of the Tournament showcases talent from across the cricketing world, with three players from the West Indies, two from Bangladesh, and two from Scotland joining Pakistan’s core.
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
Opening alongside Muneeba, Hayley Matthews lit up the tournament with both bat and ball. She scored an unbeaten century against Scotland and a 21-ball half-century – the second-fastest in women’s ODI history – against Thailand. Matthews also led the wicket charts with 13 scalps.
Sharmin Akhter & Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh)
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Sharmin Akhter was Bangladesh’s backbone with the bat, scoring 266 runs at an average of 66.50, including three half-centuries.
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Nigar Sultana, the wicketkeeper, powered Bangladesh into the World Cup with scores of 101, 51, and 83 not out in crucial matches.
Kathryn Bryce & Katherine Fraser (Scotland)
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Kathryn Bryce, Scotland’s captain and the Player of the Tournament, amassed 282 runs, including a majestic 131 against Ireland*, and took six wickets.
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Katherine Fraser, a standout with the ball, claimed multiple three-wicket hauls and contributed handy lower-order runs.
Chinelle Henry & Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
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Chinelle Henry delivered explosive cameos, including a 17-ball 48 with five sixes.
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Aaliyah Alleyne took 12 wickets, with a best of 4 for 39 against Bangladesh.
12th Player: Rabeya Khan (Bangladesh)
Rounding off the squad, Rabeya Khan has been named the 12th player after playing a key role in Bangladesh’s victory over Ireland and finishing with six wickets.
ICC Team of the Tournament:
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Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
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Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
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Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh)
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Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)
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Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh) – WK
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Fatima Sana (Pakistan) – CAPT
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Chinelle Henry (West Indies)
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Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
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Katherine Fraser (Scotland)
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Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
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Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
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Rabeya Khan (Bangladesh) – 12th Player
Pakistan Set to Challenge the Best
With a formidable mix of youth, experience, and confidence, Pakistan enters the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as a serious contender. This performance in the qualifiers not only reaffirms their rise in women’s cricket but also showcases the emergence of future stars like Fatima Sana and Muneeba Ali on the world stage.
