Fatima Sana writes history, becomes first captain to achieve unique feat in Women’s T20 World Cup despite Pakistan heartbreak | Cricket news
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced one of the most remarkable all-round performances in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, becoming the first captain to score a half-century and take three wickets in the same match, although her heroic effort eventually ended in sadness as South Africa won a thrilling match by two wickets in Birmingham.The 23-year-old entered the record books with an unbeaten score of 55 off just 38 deliveries and figures of 3/16, joining an elite list of players to score 50-plus scores and take three or more wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup match. However, she became the first female leader to accomplish this feat.
A comprehensive historic achievement that lights up Birmingham
Pakistan seemed headed for an embarrassing collapse after the rapid attack launched by South Africa, led by the United States Marizan Cap Shabnim Ismail reduced them to 50/8. Kapp struck with the first ball of the innings, leaving Pakistan staring at disaster on a slow surface.But Fatima refused to give up. Along with Toba Hassan, she compiled a combative stand of 71 runs, the highest ninth-wicket partnership in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, to drag Pakistan to a competitive 126th over.The captain launched a late counterattack, firing home two goals Nadine de Clercq In the end, before it prepares for half a century and ends with prosperity.“We just tried to get deep into the game because we know we have the ability, and Tuba has the ability too,” Fatima said. “We tried to get deep into the game and execute our plans.”50+ goals and 3+ wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup match
- (62 and 3) – Hayley Matthews v SL, Gros Isle, 2018
- (61*f3) – Sonny Los v TA, Canberra,
- (55 and 3) – Shafali Verma vs Ned, Leeds, 2026
- (55* and 3) – Fatima Sanaa vs South Africa, Birmingham, 2026*
“There was fighting there”
Fatima then raised hopes with an unexpected three-wicket defense as the Pakistan spinners pushed South Africa to the limit in a tense chase.Despite their extraordinary efforts, Pakistan fell agonizingly short as South Africa held their nerve to register a two-run win – one of the narrowest wins in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa have now won all four of their World Cup matches against Pakistan.Lowest margin of victory in a WT20 World Cup (by wickets)
- By 2 weeks – ENG vs IND, Dharamsala, 2016
- One week apart – England vs. Wisconsin, Dharamsala, 2016
- Two weeks apart – SA vs PAK, Birmingham, 2026*
Reflecting on the defeat, an emotional Fatima admitted that her team failed to take advantage of the decisive moments.“I think we couldn’t finish the game. The fight was there and the effort was there, but we couldn’t finish it,” she said.Asked about enjoying the additional responsibility as captain, she replied: “I enjoy the role, but we still need to win games.” “I’m enjoying it, but there’s still a long way to go.”Looking to the future, Fatima stressed the importance of remaining calm under pressure.She added: “We need to remain calm on the field, especially when the momentum is against us. We need to be more calm in those situations, and we will try to improve and do better next time.”
