Less than a year after the tragic death of her father during the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan women’s skipper Fatima Sana led her side to qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in a moment of triumph and emotion. Fatima gave a performance that went beyond the scoreboard with her eyes full of resolve.
With a convincing 87-run victory over Thailand in Lahore on Thursday, Pakistan guaranteed their spot in the main event. It was their fourth straight victory in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, and they now lead the rankings with eight points.
It was more than simply cricket at the time. For Fatima Sana, who had left the 2024 T20 World Cup early due to the unexpected death of her father, it was an extremely personal one. Her comeback to the game and her leadership during this campaign is testament to her tenacity, fortitude, and respect.
“This one’s for my father. He always believed in me, in our team. I’m sure he’s watching and proud of us,” Sana was quoted saying to the ICC after the match.
Sana launched a spectacular counterattack against Thailand in the 40th over, with Pakistan faltering at 119/4. She turned a stalling innings into a winning total with her unbeaten 62* off 59 balls. Sana added 86 runs in the last 10 overs to give Pakistan a manageable score of 235/4, which ultimately proved to be more than sufficient, along with Sidra Amin, who scored a well-paced 80. The two of them formed a 97-run partnership.
Thailand, who had displayed signs of improvement during the competition, such as a recent chase against Ireland in which they scored a record 259 runs, was never given the opportunity to get into a flow. And Sana used the ball to break their spine once more. She finished with figures of 3/39 after eliminating Thipatcha Putthawong, cleaning up Suwanan Khiaoto, and dismissing the Nattaya Boochatham. Thailand was bowled out for just 118 in 34.3 overs thanks to her spell.
Throughout the qualifiers, Sana has continuously performed exceptionally well. She is regarded as one of the best bowling all-rounders in the game today, as evidenced by returns of 3/16 against the West Indies, a career-best 4/23 against Scotland, and crucial lower-order runs. She is presently the second-highest wicket-taker in this qualifying campaign, behind only Hayley Matthews, with 61 wickets at an average of 27.72 in 45 ODIs, including three four-wicket hauls and a fifer.
Even though she is only 23, Fatima Sana has taken charge despite suffering the most severe personal setbacks. Nevertheless, she has become a resilient role model in addition to being a match winner. Her experience serves as an example of how sports can be both an arena and a healing tool.
Pakistan’s campaign will be remembered not only for the victories but also for the young captain’s leadership and emotional fortitude as they advance to the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Fatima Sana has transformed personal tragedy into success, which is a monument to cricket’s unwavering spirit and the enduring power of a father’s faith.
