Pakistan captain Fatima Sana suffered an injury scare during a practice session on Saturday, ahead of her team's Women's T20 World Cup opener against India. The incident occurred while she was bowling in the nets, when she was struck on her right shin. She was immediately taken off the field by the support staff and did not return for the remainder of the session, as reported by the news agency PTI.
However, to the relief of the Pakistan team, Fatima confirmed at the pre-match press conference that the hit was not serious and that she is available for Sunday's game. “It was just a normal shot from Ayesha and I was hit below the knee. But I think it is good now,” Fatima told mediapersons.
Fatima's importance for Pakistan
Fatima's fitness is crucial for Pakistan going into the tournament. Apart from leading the pace attack, she has also been one of the team's key batters. Since the last Women's T20 World Cup, she has scored runs at a strike rate of 183.06. Her performances include a 15-ball half-century, the fastest in Women's T20 Internationals, and a 41-ball 90 against South Africa in Potchefstroom. She also played a major role in Pakistan's win over South Africa in Benoni in February, scoring 47 off 30 balls and taking 2-12.
Pakistan's opening match against India
Pakistan's opening match comes against India, who also begin their Women's T20 World Cup campaign on Sunday. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India are aiming to add a Women's T20 World Cup title to the ODI World Cup trophy they won last year. The head-to-head record is firmly in India's favour, with India winning 13 of the 16 T20Is played between the two teams.
Recent form and head-to-head
The last meeting between the sides came at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai, where India won by six wickets. Since then, India have developed into a more settled white-ball side, a progress reflected in their ODI World Cup triumph. Much of the squad from that title-winning campaign forms the core of the current T20 World Cup team.
India have also produced good results in the lead-up to the tournament. They won T20I series against Australia (2-1) and England (3-2) away from home and beat Sri Lanka 5-0 at home. At the same time, defeats in away series against South Africa (4-1) and England (2-1) exposed areas that still need attention ahead of the tournament.
