Women’s World Cup: How Pakistan perform with clarity on a given day will decide their fate, says Marina Iqbal
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team heads into the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup with fresh momentum after dominating the qualifying tournament in April. They swept aside West Indies and Bangladesh to earn their spot, and now they’ll play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This setup highlights their spin-heavy bowling attack, captain Fatima Sana’s rising star power, and opener Sidra Amin’s steady form at the top. But can they handle high-pressure moments and keep their fielding sharp when it counts? Former Pakistan player and selector Marina Iqbal shared her insights with on the team’s prep, the Colombo edge, and key players like Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin.
Iqbal sees real progress in Pakistan’s batting lineup. “They’ve got more clarity now, especially up top with Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali,” she says. Sidra’s in top shape, bringing role definition and a smart approach that’s been missing for years. This has boosted their one-day internationals overall. Still, to shake off their group-stage exits and challenge powerhouses, Pakistan must fire on all cylinders—batting, bowling, and fielding. “No team can be taken lightly,” Iqbal stresses. “They have the talent, but it boils down to executing on the day.”
Sticking to one venue like Colombo gives Pakistan a smart edge over rivals hopping around Sri Lanka. “You get to know the pitches, outfield, weather—everything works in your favor,” Iqbal explains. But she warns it’s no guarantee. Teams must adapt players to the conditions, tweak batting orders, and test combos against different opponents. “It’s a huge opportunity, but execution is key. If you don’t use it, you’re wasting it.”
Fatima Sana’s leadership has transformed the side. At just 24, she’s balancing captaincy with her all-round skills beautifully. “She’s a natural leader with a spark,” Iqbal says. Seniors like Sana Mir mentored her early, and she’s thrived under pressure. Her calm, mature mindset has sharpened her batting and bowling, setting an example for the team. “She loves challenges and delivers no matter the situation.”
The spin duo of Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal could anchor Pakistan’s attack in Colombo’s turning conditions. Playing all games there lets them master the pitches fast. Sadia has long been a strike bowler, but Nashra’s standout series against South Africa filled a middle-overs gap. “She’s taken responsibility when it mattered,” Iqbal notes. With Omaima Sohail chipping in, they’ve got depth. But pacers can’t slack off in the 50-over format—everyone must pull weight. “Sadia and Nashra will thrive here, but the full attack needs to click.”
Sidra Amin has emerged as Pakistan’s rock at the top. After strike-rate debates, she’s found balance as an anchor. “She’s mentally clear now, scoring big while holding one end,” Iqbal says. In Sri Lanka’s tough conditions, quick running matters more than boundaries, and fit Sidra excels there. Her recent hundreds show habit-forming form. But she needs backup from Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar, and middle-order hitters like Natalia Parvaiz and Aliya Riaz. Fatima Sana’s presence adds firepower lower down, and Natalia’s quick 70 against South Africa builds confidence.
Does leaning on stars like Sidra, Fatima, and Nashra make Pakistan vulnerable? Iqbal doesn’t think so. “They’re performers, but others are stepping up too.” Muneeba contributes early, Natalia brings speed and fielding smarts, and Omaima offers all-round experience. Aliya Riaz must fire soon, while Eyman Fatima’s power-hitting got underused. Shawaal Zulfiqar’s injury return felt rushed, but the current XI knows their roles. Sadia Iqbal leads spin, and even Diana Baig or Waheeda Akhtar can shine on big days. “Responsibilities are more shared now—no single-player burden.”
Fielding remains Pakistan’s weak spot, especially under pressure against top teams. “It’s my biggest worry,” Iqbal admits. Dropped catches and sloppy ground work hurt in qualifiers and could cost close games. “Pressure hits them mentally—they need to hold nerves and bring their A-game.” In modern cricket, sharp fielding swings matches with key stops or run-outs. Pakistan can’t afford lapses on this stage.
As the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup kicks off, Pakistan’s blend of spin prowess, leadership from Fatima Sana, and Sidra Amin’s reliability offers hope. But mastering pressure and fielding will decide if they finally break through.
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