Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been praised for playing a crucial game against New Zealand in the 2024 women's T20 World Cup despite having returned home following the death of her father.
Sana returned to the UAE on Sunday (October 13) the day before the final game in group A which will determine the second semi-final spot from the group. The all-rounder left the team on Thursday after her father passed away in Karachi, and was unavailable for her side's clash against Australia in Friday, in which Pakistan were captained by Muneeba Ali.
Stepping out to captain the side in Dubai today (October 14), Sana was visibly emotional following the national anthems. She took two catches within the first 12 overs of the match to peg New Zealand back in setting a total.
Pakistan are still in the hunt for a semi-final spot, but must beat New Zealand by a big margin in order to qualify. A Pakistan win would also keep India in the hunt, if they don't chase New Zealand's total down with enough balls to spare, but if New Zealand win they will take the semi-final place.
Sana's return to the side drew praise from Pakistan men's Test captain Shan Masood, who took to social media to commend her. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Masood wrote: "Skipper Fatima Sana, so much respect for you".
Skipper Fatima Sana, so much respect for you. https://t.co/QIqLXNX8l2
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) October 14, 2024
Pakistan are also without their premier pacer in Diana Baig, who was replaced in the squad by Najiha Alvi on Saturday after she failed to recover from a calf injury she sustained in Pakistan's win in their opening match of the tournament against Sri Lanka.
Since that game, Pakistan have suffered losses to India and Australia, and were bowled out for 82 by the latter. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-final it will be their first appearance in the knockout stages of a women's T20 World Cup.
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