New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) Pakistan women's cricket team captain Fatima Sana finds her inspiration in India's World Cup-winning skipper, MS Dhoni, as she aims to emulate his 'Captain Cool' demeanor while preparing to lead her team in the upcoming 50-over World Cup. The Women's World Cup, set to begin on September 30, will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan due to play all its matches in Sri Lanka following an agreement between the BCCI and PCB.
Pakistan, showcasing undefeated performances in the April qualifiers, will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh in Colombo on October 2. "A touch of nervousness is quite natural when captaining in a grand event like the World Cup. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is my captaincy muse," Fatima conveyed in an exclusive interview with PTI Bhasha.
Observing Dhoni's strategies both as India's and CSK's captain, Fatima admires his on-field decision-making, composure, and the supportive nature he extends to his players. "Becoming a captain like Dhoni became my goal when I was handed the captaincy. Besides watching his games, I've gleaned insights from his interviews," she remarked.
Despite Dhoni's international retirement on August 15, 2020, Fatima observed his legacy soon after her ODI debut against South Africa on May 6, 2019. Pakistan has competed in the Women's ODI World Cup five times (1997, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), but faced winless campaigns in 1997, 2013, and 2017. Notably, their victory over the West Indies in Hamilton marked their sole win in 2022, finishing last in the tournament.
As an all-rounder with 397 runs and 45 wickets in 34 ODIs, Fatima is optimistic about overturning past records this time. "This World Cup is crucial for Pakistan women's cricket, and young players are aware of its significance. We'll not dwell on the past. My primary aim is to propel the team to the semifinals," she stated confidently.
The intensified focus on women's cricket in Pakistan is evident. Schools are encouraging girls to play cricket, and international matches are broadcasted live, creating a fresh wave of enthusiasm. The ICC's initiative to enhance the prize money for the Women's World Cup serves as an added motivator. However, societal barriers still exist, and Fatima aims to break them through this tournament.
"Women's cricket is yet to be considered a viable career option in our country. But our performance can alter this perception significantly," said the all-rounder. She believes the team's key asset lies in its bowlers, with extensive work done on enhancing batting skills over the past year.
"Our team's strength lies in top-tier bowlers, with spinners being our trump card. While we mostly rely on our bowling, noticeable improvements in batting have been made," she explained.
Maintaining the momentum from the qualifiers remains vital, and a forthcoming three-match series against South Africa will aid in refining team dynamics. "The morale post-qualifiers is high, and a similar roster continues for the World Cup. For six players, it's their first World Cup, and they are extremely enthusiastic," shared Fatima.
The team, engaged in training sessions in Lahore, encounters minimal international exposure since the qualifiers, but Fatima remains assured of their readiness. Domestic matches have provided ample preparation. "The series with South Africa will be pivotal in fine-tuning combinations. Playing naturally, without succumbing to World Cup pressures, is crucial," she emphasized.
Australia stands out as a formidable contender for the title, and while predicting semifinalists remains challenging, India's consistent performance cannot be overlooked. "While Australia is my favorite, India's track record has been solid, with experienced players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet Kaur strengthening their lineup. Being hosts, India faces pressure but also gains from playing on familiar grounds," Fatima articulated.
Honoring her father’s memory, who passed during last year’s T20 World Cup, Fatima chose to pursue her cricket dreams, reminiscent of icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, who balanced personal loss with professional commitments. "My father's dream was to see me in the World Cup. Playing was not only a tribute to his wish but also a reaffirmation of my dedication," she concluded with resolve.
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