Bereaved Fatima Sana is going to return home from the World Cup following family tragedy
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana is returning home to Karachi from the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE following the sudden passing of her father due to a stroke.
In her absence, vice-captain Muneeba Ali will take over leadership duties for Pakistan’s Group A match against Australia on Friday, and is expected to continue in the role if Sana is unable to return in time for their final group game against New Zealand on Monday (October 14).
Sana, who was appointed captain ahead of the World Cup, became the youngest to lead Pakistan in a T20 World Cup.
The 22-year-old only had a three-match home series against South Africa to adjust to her new role, but she thrived under pressure, finishing as the top run-scorer across both teams.
She scored 101 runs in the series, including 37* (24) in the opener, another 37* (23) in the series-leveling win, and 21 off 17 balls in the final game where she was dismissed.
Pakistan eventually lost the series 1-2.
In her T20 World Cup debut as captain, Sana made an immediate impact, earning Player of the Match for her all-round performance against Sri Lanka.
She scored 30 off 20 balls, then took 2 for 10 in 2.5 overs, including the crucial wicket of Chamari Athapaththu, as Pakistan secured a 31-run win.
She had a quieter outing against India but contributed with the ball, taking two wickets in a critical 16th over that helped stall India’s chase.
Pakistan briefly held second place in Group A after New Zealand’s defeat to Australia, but dropped to third following India’s NRR-boosting win over Sri Lanka.
Sana’s absence could now be a major blow to Pakistan’s semifinal hopes, as they must win their remaining two group games to stay alive in the tournament.
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