Fatima's Ambition: To Stay Unbeaten in Qualifiers After Pakistan Secures ODI WC Spot
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Pakistan's cricket team captain Fatima Sana aims to finish the current qualifying tournament unbeaten after securing a spot in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Following a significant victory over Thailand, the team is focused on their final match against Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan secured a spot in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
- Captain Fatima Sana emphasizes the team’s goal to remain unbeaten in qualifiers.
- Sidra Ameen's 80 runs were pivotal in the match against Thailand.
- Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the final match of the tournament.
- Bangladesh aims for their own qualification for the ODI World Cup.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Following Pakistan's decisive 87-run triumph over Thailand, which secured their place in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, captain Fatima Sana expressed the team's ambition to complete the ongoing qualifying tournament without a loss.
"We have qualified, and the primary credit belongs to our team — they supported me immensely and allowed me the privilege of captaining this squad. Our goal is to win the final match and strive to remain unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, finishing at the top of the table," Fatima was quoted as saying by ICC on Friday.
In the match against Thailand, Pakistan started slowly but with Sidra Ameen scoring 80 and some robust lower-order contributions from Fatima, they managed to reach 205/6, which was sufficient to secure victory in all four of their matches in this tournament.
"Before the 40 overs, we were under significant pressure because the Thailand team bowled exceptionally well against our batting lineup. However, after the 40th over, we began to identify opportunities. I had a few chances to contribute with the bat, and Sidra Ameen performed admirably during that period," Fatima added.
Discussing Sidra's crucial innings, Fatima noted, "The important aspect is that she remained at the crease and sustained the innings. I understand some might have perceived the run rate as somewhat slow, but she played prudently when we were simply trying to endure. Her ability to hold the innings together was vital for us."
Pakistan is now set to clash with Bangladesh in their final match of the tournament at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Saturday. Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nigar Sultana Joty, will be striving to secure their own spot for the Women’s ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India later this year.
