The National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 concluded in thrilling fashion as the Stars, led by Tuba Hassan, secured a commanding 52-run victory over the Invincibles in the final at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, Lahore, on Sunday, 12 April. With this win, Stars successfully defended their title, having previously defeated Conquerors in Karachi during the last edition.
Record-Breaking Performances Define the Tournament
The 17-day tournament, which began on 27 March, delivered high-octane cricket and record-breaking moments. A standout highlight came when the Conquerors smashed a historic 241-run total against Challengers at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground — the highest in Pakistan women’s domestic T20 history.
This feat surpassed the previous record of 233/0 set at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in 2024.
Batting Excellence: Muneeba Ali Leads the Charts
Muneeba Ali, captain of Invincibles, emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 344 runs in nine matches, including four half-centuries — the most by any batter in the competition. Her remarkable consistency earned her the Best Batter of the Tournament award.
Notably, the tournament showcased aggressive batting, with the average strike rate of the top 10 run-scorers reaching 152.91, reflecting the modern attacking approach in T20 cricket.
Bowling Brilliance: Momina Riasat Shines
In the bowling department, Momina Riasat of Invincibles stood out, claiming 16 wickets in nine matches to earn the Best Bowler of the Tournament title. Her best performance — 4 for 10 — came against Stars in a dominant win at Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Another standout was Anosha Nasir, whose incredible 6 for 13 spell against Strikers ranks as the second-best bowling figures in Pakistan women’s domestic T20 history, just behind Sadia Yousuf’s 6 for 10 in 2012.
All-Round Dominance: Tuba Hassan & Fatima Sana Honored
The tournament recognized exceptional all-round performances, with Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana named joint Players of the Tournament.
- Tuba Hassan: 192 runs, 10 wickets, two half-centuries
- Fatima Sana: 271 runs, 8 wickets, three half-centuries
Their contributions were pivotal in elevating the competition’s standard and intensity.
Captain’s Perspective: “We Played Fearless Cricket”
Speaking after the final, Tuba Hassan emphasized the team’s clarity and preparation:
“We played simple cricket and there was no pressure in the final. Our intent was positive, and we targeted 160-170. The bowlers supported really well.”
She credited months of preparation camps for their success and highlighted the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket.
Fatima Sana: “Modern Cricket Demands Aggression”
Fatima Sana echoed the importance of adapting to evolving cricket dynamics:
“There is a clear demand for fearless and attacking cricket. Players executed that approach with intent and confidence, which is exactly what modern-day cricket requires.”
She also stressed the importance of aligning domestic performances with international standards, particularly in power-hitting and aggressive gameplay.
A Positive Sign for Women’s Cricket in Pakistan
The National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 not only delivered thrilling matches but also showcased the rapid evolution of women’s cricket in Pakistan. With record totals, standout individual performances, and a clear shift toward aggressive play, the tournament signals a bright future.
As domestic competitions continue to mirror international demands, Pakistan’s women cricketers are clearly preparing to compete at the highest level with confidence and skill.
