Sana stars as Pakistan qualify for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

Fatima Sana’s heroic all-round performance and another spirited bowling display helped Pakistan Women book their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after securing a comprehensive 67-run victory over Thailand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.

Skipper Fatima Sana emerged as the match-winner yet again — first with the bat when she rescued Pakistan with an unbeaten 62, and then with the ball, where she led the bowling unit with a three-wicket haul. The win sealed Pakistan’s spot in the mega event to be held later this year in India, making them the first team to qualify from the six-nation qualifier that also featured Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan struggled for momentum early in their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. The innings was reeling at 85 for 4 in the 32nd over when Fatima joined the experienced Sidra Amin at the crease. Together, the duo stitched a crucial 97-run partnership that not only stabilised the innings but also laid the platform for a competitive total.

Pakistani players celebrate after their victory over Thailand in a Women's World Cup qualifying match. Courtesy: ICC

Sidra, who has been a consistent performer throughout the qualifiers, once again rose to the occasion with a composed knock of 80 runs off 105 balls. She hit eight boundaries and anchored the innings when the rest of the top order faltered under pressure.

Fatima, on the other hand, capitalised on multiple dropped chances by Thailand’s fielders to smash an unbeaten 62 off just 59 balls, with five fours and a six. Her late charge powered Pakistan past the 200-run mark, finishing at 205 for 6 — a total that looked below par on paper but proved more than enough on the day.

Thailand’s bowlers, especially medium pacer Phannita Maya and off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu, were disciplined in the power-play and made early inroads. Pakistan’s young opener Shawaal Zulfiqar, playing her first match of the tournament, fell cheaply trying to break free from a tight spell by Phannita. Muneeba Ali also departed tamely, miscuing a sweep off Kamchomphu.

Aliya Riaz’s unfortunate run-out — for the second match in a row — added to Pakistan’s top-order woes, but Sidra and Fatima’s partnership revived the innings.

Chasing 206, Thailand looked to be building a steady platform, reaching 44 for 1 at one stage. But the introduction of Fatima Sana into the attack tilted the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour.

Agencies