Colombo, Sri Lanka: As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 kicks off in Sri Lanka, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana exudes quiet confidence ahead of her team’s opener against Bangladesh. In a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the 23-year-old all-rounder emphasized a strategy built on world-class spinners, disciplined batting partnerships, and lessons in composure from her mentor Bismah Maroof. “We’re prepared to execute our plans without surprises,” Sana said, signaling a shift from past inconsistencies to a focused campaign in sub-continental conditions.
The tournament, running from September 30 to November 2 across India and neutral venues in Sri Lanka for Pakistan’s matches, features eight teams vying for glory at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan, qualifying unbeaten in April’s World Cup Qualifiers under Sana’s leadership, enters as underdogs but with momentum from a strong showing against South Africa earlier this year. Their group-stage clash with Bangladesh—a rematch of the qualifier final—looms large, with Sana drawing parallels to home conditions. “Pakistan and Sri Lankan pitches are similar, so we’ll carry forward our qualifier success,” she noted, referencing Pakistan’s dominant campaign that saw them top the table.
Spin-Dominated Strategy to Counter Experienced Rivals
Sana highlighted Pakistan’s “best spinners in the world” as the cornerstone of their approach, tailored for spin-friendly sub-continent wickets. With Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and emerging talents like Syeda Aroob Shah in the mix, the team aims to exploit middle-over breakthroughs. “We’ll ensure they perform at their peak,” Sana affirmed, addressing concerns about opponents’ deeper ICC event experience. This preparation comes after a rigorous camp focusing on adaptability, as Pakistan looks to shed the tag of inconsistent performers in global tournaments.
The all-rounder captain also addressed her dual role, crediting former skipper Bismah Maroof for instilling “calmness and discipline” crucial in 50-over cricket. “ODIs demand patience, especially under World Cup pressure,” Sana reflected, having learned the ropes as a junior under Bismah before taking the helm in August 2024. Her growth as a leader—now extending to T20Is—has been marked by personal resilience, including returning to the 2024 T20 World Cup shortly after her father’s passing, a story of grit that resonates across women’s cricket.
The X-Factor in Pakistan’s Balanced Lineup
In an era where all-rounders dictate ODI outcomes—as seen in Australia’s ongoing dominance—Sana touted Pakistan’s depth in this department as a “boost to the team.” She name-checked herself, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, and Rameen Shamim as versatile assets who blend spin bowling with middle-order firepower. “Having players who contribute with bat and ball gives us flexibility,” Sana explained, noting their role in building partnerships during qualifiers. This pool, honed over the last 12 months through targeted domestic and international exposure, positions Pakistan to adapt seamlessly between batting collapses and bowling defenses.
Sana’s own evolution as a seam-bowling all-rounder underscores this shift. Teaming up with Diana Baig, who’s back to full fitness after injury, she’s refined variations like slower balls and reverse swing under coach Junaid Khan. “We’ve focused on middle-over wickets, just like in qualifiers,” she revealed, aiming to pierce Bangladesh’s lineup on a neutral Colombo pitch. Despite spin favoring the conditions, Sana’s pace duo plans to “carry on whatever works,” blending old strengths with new tweaks for high-stakes encounters.
Batting Firepower & Leadership Under Pressure
Boosted by a resurgent top order, Sana enters the tournament optimistic about her batters’ form. Seniors like Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali, and Aliya Riaz have notched consistent runs in 2025, providing stability in Sri Lankan conditions. “As captain, their performances are a huge sign of confidence—they know their roles,” Sana said, praising the blend of experience from past World Cups with youthful energy from debutants like Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Leadership queries didn’t faze the young skipper, who’s navigated tough transitions since last year’s challenges. “Captaincy is challenging, especially as an all-rounder, but the team’s backing and management’s support have been immense,” she shared. Sana’s mantra? Unity and execution: “We’ve prepared thoroughly so nothing feels out of the blue.” This comes amid a squad overhaul, with seven players—including Natalia and Rameen—set for their maiden ODI World Cup, injecting fresh dynamism into a side that’s finished outside the top four in recent editions.
Overcoming Past Shadows
Pakistan’s World Cup history has been a mixed bag—fifth in 2009, runners-up in Asia Cups, but early exits elsewhere. Sana dismissed dwelling on “past blame,” focusing instead on the “new excitement” of this edition. “We’ve played majorly in the West before; now, home-like conditions suit us,” she added, eyeing a deep run that could culminate in Colombo semis or final if they advance.
For Bangladesh, the stakes are personal: a chance to build on their qualifier runner-up spot. Sana respects the rivalry but trusts Pakistan’s composure. “Pressure situations await, but we’ll stay calm,” she vowed, echoing the discipline that propelled their unbeaten qualifier streak.
As the World Cup unfolds—with Australia already flexing muscles against New Zealand—Sana’s Pakistan aims to inspire a generation, much like her own journey from junior prodigy to trailblazing captain. With spin aces, all-round depth, and serene leadership, the Green Shirts are primed for a statement opener. Will they script a fairy tale in Colombo? The world watches.
