by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
In a significant development for the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Fatima Sana has been appointed captain for the second ODI against New Zealand, replacing the injured Nida Dar. Nida, the regular captain, sustained an injury during the first ODI and has been ruled out of the upcoming match at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday. This follows a string of injuries on the tour, with Shawaal Zulfiqar and Diana Baig also being sidelined earlier.
Fatima Sana, a 22-year-old right-arm fast bowler, will become the 10th captain of the women’s team in the ODI format. Despite missing the recent Bangladesh series due to injury, Fatima made a remarkable comeback in the T20Is against New Zealand, earning the player of the series award. Her stellar performance included six wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.60. This isn’t Fatima’s first stint as captain, as she previously led the Pakistan women’s emerging team and the PCB Blasters in domestic cricket.
Expressing honor in leading the team, Fatima acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Nida Dar’s injury but conveyed the team’s determination to excel in the upcoming ODI after a historic T20I series win against New Zealand. Nida’s availability for the third ODI will be determined in due course, adding an element of uncertainty to Pakistan’s leadership going forward.
