Dubai: In a poignant turn of events, Muneeba Ali has assumed the role of captain for Pakistan’s national women’s cricket team for their upcoming fixture against Australia this Friday, following the departure of Fatima Sana, who is grieving the loss of her father. The team, currently competing in Dubai, has expressed profound solidarity with Sana during this difficult period.
According to International Cricket Council, the sudden change in leadership comes at a crucial juncture in the tournament, with Pakistan set to face major contenders in their remaining group-stage matches. Fatima Sana, who had led the team commendably in earlier games, returned to Pakistan for her father’s funeral, leaving a significant gap in both the team’s leadership and lineup.
Muneeba Ali, who was previously the vice-captain, stepped up to the challenge, sharing her thoughts on the situation at a press conference on Thursday. She emphasized the team’s determination to win the upcoming matches in honor of their former captain’s father, stating that a victory would be meaningful for both the team and Fatima Sana.
Pakistan faces a critical path ahead in the tournament, with key matches against Australia and New Zealand. The outcomes of these games will determine their chances of advancing to the semi-finals. The team remains focused on their goal, despite the emotional challenges, aiming to bring their best performance in honor of their absent teammate.
The cricket community has rallied around the Pakistani team, showing support as they navigate through this challenging time while remaining competitive on the international stage.