Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has said her side is eager to pit itself against the world's finest at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, scheduled from 12 June to 5 July. Writing in her column for the ICC on Thursday, 28 May, Sana expressed confidence in her squad's readiness and spoke of the privilege of leading Pakistan on the global stage for the second successive time.

Pakistan's Group Stage Challenge

Pakistan have been placed in Group 1 alongside formidable opponents — India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Netherlands. The group is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the tournament, with defending champions and top-ranked sides all featuring. Before the main event, the Fatima Sana-led side will sharpen their preparations through two warm-up fixtures against Sri Lanka and Scotland.

Sana on Squad Balance and Key Players

'It is an exciting time for the Pakistan women's cricket team, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England is another chance for us to showcase our skills on the global stage,' Sana wrote. She highlighted the squad's blend of youth and experience as a core strength: 'What is great about this team is the balance between young girls and experienced players. We have match-winners in different departments and players who can step up in pressure situations.' Sana specifically named Muneeba Ali, Sadia Iqbal, and Nashra Sandhu as performers who bring consistent output and major-tournament experience to the side.

Preparation and Mindset Work

Pakistan's build-up has included a series win over Zimbabwe at home, with a tri-series featuring Ireland and West Indies in Dublin also on the agenda ahead of the tournament. Sana, who holds the record for the fastest half-century in women's T20I cricket — reached off just 15 balls — said the squad has invested heavily in mental conditioning alongside technical skills. 'We have also worked a lot on mindset, which is very important in big games. We have grown a lot in terms of confidence, clarity, and game awareness,' she said. She added that the team is 'becoming more mature with every series and tournament we play.'

T20 Cricket and the Growth of the Women's Game

Sana used her column to reflect on the broader impact of T20 cricket on women's cricket globally, noting that the format has expanded the sport's audience and created greater opportunities for players. 'T20 cricket has also had a huge impact on the growth of women's cricket globally. The format brings more energy, entertainment, and attention to the game,' she wrote. She also pointed to the rising investment in the women's game as a signal that the sport is being valued at the highest level, calling the tournament 'a strong statement for women's cricket.' The World Cup, she said, gives young girls a visible model to aspire to.

What to Watch

Pakistan's opening fixtures in Group 1 will be closely watched, particularly their clash against India, which historically draws the highest viewership of any women's bilateral contest in the subcontinent. With a maturing squad and a captain who has led the side at back-to-back World Cups, Pakistan will be looking to advance beyond the group stage and signal a new chapter in their women's cricket programme.