Fatima Sana backs her team to rise on the big stage as Pakistan aim to bounce back from opening defeat
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana says her side is brimming with belief and unity as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter against rivals India at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Colombo.
After a disappointing seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their tournament opener, Pakistan now face one of the toughest challenges in world cricket — taking on an Indian side stacked with star power. But rather than shy away from the pressure, Sana insists her team is determined to embrace the occasion.
“We know that when it’s India versus Pakistan, the whole world is watching,” Sana said. “Yes, there is pressure, but the key is how we handle it. We’ll stick to our plans and focus on playing the cricket we’ve prepared for.”
Belief After Early Setback
Pakistan’s campaign started on the wrong foot, but the skipper is keen to remind fans that one defeat doesn’t define a tournament.
“The coaches told us to keep believing. One bad game doesn’t decide who we are. We showed in the qualifiers and recent matches that we can compete with any team. The momentum and morale are still high, and we want fans to support us without judging us too quickly,” Sana added.
Diana Baig the Key Figure
One player who stood tall against Bangladesh was Diana Baig, who delivered an exceptional spell of 1/14 from eight overs and later chipped in with an unbeaten 16 runs down the order.
Sana was full of praise for her teammate:
“Everyone knows Diana is one of our best players — not just as a bowler but also as a fielder. She always gives 200 percent, and her motivation lifts the entire team. Having her in the squad is a big boost for us.”
Young Captain, Strong Support System
At just 23, Fatima Sana is still adjusting to the demands of captaincy, but she says the guidance from senior players has been invaluable.
“Of course, leading as a young captain is challenging. But seniors like Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, and Diana always support me and keep the team united. If I make mistakes, they back me. That support makes the job easier and strengthens the team bond.”
Squads for the Big Clash
Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana
What’s at Stake
With two cricketing giants colliding, the stakes could not be higher. For India, a win would underline their credentials as early title contenders. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to turn their campaign around, restore confidence, and prove they belong on the world stage.