Pakistan have had an up-down of a forecast regarding their recent cricketing timeline. Though they have been pleasing in the recent 2024 Women's Asia Cup by reaching the semi-finals, they have failed to convert it into a triumph.

The same applied to their recent performance in the three-match T20 series against South Africa, where they lost 2-1. But, with a young captain and balanced squad, they are eager to win their first Women's T20 World Cup title. That said, here's the Pakistan-announced full squad, their probable XI and their top three players to check out. 

Announced Women's Pakistan 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad:

Fatima Sana (Captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza (Wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.

Pakistan Probable XI:  

• Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper)
• Gull Feroza
• Sidra Amin
• Nida Dar
• Aliya Riaz
• Fatima Sana (Captain)
• Sadaf Shamas
• Sadia Iqbal
• Nashra Sundhu
• Diana Baig
• Tuba Hassan

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka Women's Team squad, Probable XI & Top 3 players to check out

Top 3 players to check out from Sri Lanka in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Fatima Sana

Fatima Sana will be taking up the shoes of captaincy from the experienced campaigner, Nida Dar, for the upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. As a medium-pacer, the 22-year-old can be helpful in scalping some pivotal wickets for the side in the middle and final overs of the game and making some runs, where she can change the game for the side.

Seeing a young-blood player lead a side for the vast tournament would be interesting. In her T20I stint, she has scalped 31 wickets and made 316 runs in 43 matches

Nashra Sandhu

Nashra Sandhu is Pakistan's reliable spinner, recognised for her remarkable control. Nashra's ability to keep pressure on rival teams and deceive the batters throughout the middle overs will be critical to Pakistan's bowling plan.

Given the spin-friendly conditions in the UAE, she has the potential to be one of her team's top wicket-takers. In 62 T20I matches, she has taken 60 wickets with an economy rate of 5.46. 

Muneeba Ali

Muneeba Ali is anticipated to play a crucial role in Pakistan's campaign. She has had glimpses of brilliance in her ability to dominate the powerplay, generating critical starts for her team. Muneeba's aggressive style in the first few overs may offer Pakistan an advantage in setting competitive totals.

Muneeba's ability to establish a strong foundation on the powerplay significantly impacts the team's success. In 73 T20I appearances, she has scored 1261 runs at an average of more than 20, demonstrating her ability to alter the game with the willow.

With Gull Feroza’s back to back half centuries, Pakistan clinched a dominant 10 wicket win over UAE in the final Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Tuba Hassan, each took two wickets to limit UAE to 103 runs, despite Theertha Satish’s solid 40.

Pakistan’s openers chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, boosting their net run rate from +0.497 to 1.158. Unless Nepal pulls off a huge upset against India later, Pakistan is likely to move on to the knockout stages.

UAE innings

Slow start in powerplay

UAE captain Esha Oza started strong with a boundary on her first ball, but the openers faced many dot balls, which hurt their progress. They did manage a boundary each over, except in Sadia Iqbal’s two overs, but also had 25 dot balls, which worked in Pakistan’s favor.

Pakistan bowlers shine in middle overs

UAE increased their scoring rate to 6 runs per over during the middle overs, but frequent wickets slowed their progress. Nashra Sandhu took two quick wickets, including UAE’s captain. Skipper Nida Dar and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan also picked up crucial wickets, including a key dismissal of UAE’s opener, who missed a half-century by 10 runs.

More wickets in the final overs

UAE’s attempt to accelerate in the final overs resulted in more wickets falling. Sadia Iqbal removed both set batters in her last two overs, ending with figures of 2-11. New batter Samaira Dharnidharka narrowly escaped a run-out but was out on the next ball, giving Tuba her second wicket. A few singles in the final over pushed UAE’s total to 103, but it was not enough to challenge Pakistan.

Pakistan innings

Early luck in powerplay

Pakistan’s openers enjoyed some luck. Feroza was dropped on the first ball but capitalized with frequent boundaries. Mubeena Ali, her opening partner, also survived a questionable stumping call, with the TV umpire ruling it not out despite clear evidence of her feet being outside the crease.

Feroza’s Fifty seals the win

Feroza’s confidence from her previous innings showed as she scored another fifty, finishing with 62 not out off 55 balls. Mubeena Ali supported with a solid 37 not out from 30 balls. Mubeena hit the winning runs on the first ball of the 15th over, securing the victory for Pakistan.

Player of the Match (Gul Feroza):

“Just enjoying my game. The plan is to get success. I take confidence [from the fifty in the last game]. It was an easy score, so I tried my level best.”