Fatima Sana

Fatima Sana is a Pakistani cricketer who serves as the captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team. She operates primarily as a right-arm medium-fast bowler.

Early life and education

Fatima Sana was born on 8 November 2001 in Karachi. While her specific educational background is not detailed, she began her professional journey representing her home city in domestic cricket. She has since competed for Karachi and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited.

Career

Sana entered the international arena in April 2019 when she joined the Pakistan squad for a series against South Africa. She made her Women's One Day International (WODI) debut on 6 May 2019. Her first Women's Twenty20 International (WT20I) followed shortly after on 15 May 2019. Both of these milestone matches occurred against South Africa.

The player traveled to Australia in January 2020 to compete in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. During a tour of the West Indies in June 2021, she achieved a significant career milestone. She recorded her first five-wicket haul in WODIs by taking 5/39 during the final match of that tour.

Sana participated in several major global tournaments over the following years. She played in the 2021 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. In May 2022, she represented Pakistan at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. She stood out during that tournament as the leading wicket-taker for her country.

Her professional experience extends to franchise cricket across different regions. She was signed as an overseas player for the Barbados Royals in August 2022 for the inaugural Women's Caribbean Premier League. She also played for the Canterbury Magicians.

Leadership roles emerged for Sana during critical moments in international fixtures. After Nida Dar suffered an injury during the first ODI against New Zealand, Sana captained the side on 13 December 2023 at Hagley Park in Christchurch. The Pakistan Cricket Board officially named her as captain in August 2024 when announcing the 15-member squad for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. She led the Pakistan squad during the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier held at home in April 2025.

Awards and recognition

Sana has received several accolades for her performances on the field. In December 2020, she was shortlisted as one of the Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year for the 2020 PCB Awards. She also won the ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2021 award.