Lahore: Fatima Sana has been named the captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. This leadership role marks a significant step in her career following her successful tenure in various national and emerging team capacities.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the decision to appoint 22-year-old Fatima was unanimously made by the women’s national selection committee. Fatima, known for her pivotal role in leading Pakistan to a dramatic ODI victory against New Zealand in a Super Over at Christchurch in December 2023, will be taking over the reins from Nida Dar, the 37-year-old all-rounder who has been a stalwart for Pakistan across formats.

The team, which finds itself in a challenging Group A with cricketing powerhouses like Australia, India, and New Zealand, will see minimal changes from the squad that competed in last month’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Notably, right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas returns to the squad, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will still travel with the team as a reserve player.

The PCB also announced that from the team that competed in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, ten players are being retained, including debutant left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab. The final team list is contingent on the fitness of left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal.