Pakistan's hopes pinned on rare, refreshing clarity of thought

Pakistan enter another World Cup with a new coach at the helm (on some days a consultant, on other days a mentor). Irrespective of what tag is flashed next to Wahab Riaz's name, the team comes into the tournament with a rare, refreshing clarity of its gameplay. It is evident in the way they have played their cricket in the lead-up and the bold selection calls they've made to make their line-up more aggressive. However, there is still uncertainty on how best to utilise Fatima Sana's batting creds—in a way that benefits the team while maximising each individual's potential.

Pakistan haven't won more than one match in a T20 World Cup since 2016. If they have to go past that record this time, they will have to trust that clarity. Much depends on their captain—not just as a player, but as a leader to ensure motivation doesn't fizzle out after a few losses.

Squad: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Saira Jabeen, Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Natalia Pervaiz, Tuba Hassan, Eyman Fatima, Tasmia Rubab

Best XI: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Saira Jabeen, Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

Players to keep an eye on:

• Fatima Sana: A genuine world-class all-rounder capable of turning the game on its head with bat and ball. Since the last T20 World Cup, she has a strike rate of 183.06 with the bat and is the second-highest wicket-taker for the team.
• Sadia Iqbal: A smart left-arm spinner who mixes up her variations well and bowls in all phases. Since the last T20 World Cup, she is the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan, and has been a reliable backbone for seven years.

What's in the news: Iram Javed, the 34-year-old hard-hitting batter, has returned to the national team—this time to slot into an aggressive batting template.

Where they finished in 2024: Only one win in four games, eliminated in the group stage.

How they've performed since: Pakistan have won only 5 of 12 T20Is since the 2024 World Cup; three of those wins came against Zimbabwe.

The big game: vs South Africa. In the last two years, Pakistan have found ways to beat South Africa at home and away. A repeat at the World Cup could dictate the group fate.

A landmark in sight: Fatima Sana needs two more wickets to become the 7th Pakistani woman to take 50 T20I wickets.

Realistic expectation: Pakistan need more than just their best cricket to go past the group stage.