Rising from a turbulent patch with unflinching determination, the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team has scripted a spirited turnaround to qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Under the inspiring leadership of Fatima Sana, Pakistan emerged as the first team to seal their spot through the ongoing qualifiers, winning 4 matches on the trot and recapturing the form that had deserted them since December 2023.
After beginning the year with a 5-match losing streak, few would have predicted such a seamless rise. But this team, fueled by grit, unity, and belief, flipped the script. In their opening fixture, Pakistan overpowered Ireland with a 38-run win. Muneeba Ali’s 32 off 59, Sidra Amin’s 51 off 112, and Aliya Riaz’s 52 off 58 formed the batting core, while the bowlers – Diana Baig (4/35), Nashra Sandhu (3/41), and Sadia Iqbal (2/33) – dismantled Ireland’s lineup with ruthless precision.
The second challenge against Scotland came in a rain-curtailed game, but Pakistan didn’t falter. Muneeba Ali’s 71 off 72 and Aliya Riaz’s 68 off 70 saw them chase down the revised target with 6 wickets in hand. It was in this match that Fatima Sana, despite being injured, delivered a statement spell of 4 for 23 in 5 overs—a performance that underscored her leadership.
Then came a defining win over the West Indies, who were outclassed while chasing 191. Pakistan’s innings was built around Sidra Amin’s 54 off 94 and Muneeba Ali’s 33 off 60, while the bowlers delivered yet again. Fatima Sana was at her lethal best with 3/16, ensuring a 65-run win.
It all culminated in the clash against Thailand, where Pakistan delivered a clinical 87-run victory to confirm their spot in the World Cup. At one point reduced to 119 for 4 after 40 overs, with a run rate of under 3 per over, Pakistan needed a spark. And that came through the bat of Fatima Sana, who smashed an unbeaten 62 off 59 balls, and Sidra Amin, who anchored with 80 off 105. Their run-a-ball 97-run stand propelled Pakistan to a competitive total, as they scored 86 runs in the last 10 overs.
Thailand’s bowlers kept things tight—Onnicha Kamchomphu even had Fatima Sana caught twice, but both deliveries were ruled no-balls. Without her innings, Pakistan might have been under pressure. Thailand’s improved batting was derailed when Chanida Sutthiruang was controversially given out stumped despite replays showing her foot grounded. However, Fatima Sana soon made a decisive impact, removing Nattaya Boochatham, Thipatcha Putthawong, and Suwanan Khiaoto to return with 3/39. Thailand were bowled out for 118 in 34.5 overs, staying winless after 4 matches.
With qualification secured, captain Fatima Sana spoke about the collective effort and divine backing behind the team’s turnaround, “I led from the front, and with Allah’s help, we’ve qualified for the World Cup. Now, I’m focused on winning at least one match at the mega event.”
Her personal evolution, particularly as a bowler, has been supported by coach Junaid Khan, whose mentorship has helped her refine the art of reverse swing. The growing influence of Pakistan’s pace attack has been a talking point, as she stated, “It’s not just spinners taking wickets anymore—fast bowlers are making their mark too.”
Among the highlights of her campaign was a prized wicket that stood out to her, “Memorable,” she said, describing the moment she dismissed Hayley Matthews.
Sana also made a strong appeal for better preparation ahead of the mega event by seeking exposure against top-tier opposition, “We want these matches to prepare better. It’s now up to the PCB to organise them.”
With 8 points from 4 games, Pakistan top the table and will face Bangladesh on Saturday, 19 April, with a chance to finish the qualifiers unbeaten. Unlike Scotland and West Indies, who need big wins and favorable net run rate scenarios, Pakistan have already secured their World Cup berth without any mathematical chaos.
As per the hybrid model agreed between BCCI and PCB, Pakistan will likely play their World Cup matches at a neutral venue since they are unlikely to travel to India, where the tournament is scheduled to begin in late September.
Throughout the qualifiers, multiple players stepped up. Sidra Amin (192 runs in 4 matches), Muneeba Ali (154 runs in 4), and Aliya Riaz (147 runs in 4) led the run tally. On the bowling front, Fatima Sana (10 wickets) is just 3 behind top wicket-taker Hayley Matthews (13), while Nashra Sandhu (9 wickets) and Sadia Iqbal (6 wickets) have been consistent threats.
Now preparing for their 5th successive World Cup appearance, Pakistan’s women have not only reclaimed their rhythm but reignited hopes. With leadership at the helm, depth in the squad, and belief in their cause, they’re headed to the global stage with momentum on their side.
