ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana brushed aside an injury scare, saying she would be fit to play in Sunday’s all-important opening clash against arch-rivals India in Birmingham.
Sana, who is leading Pakistan for the second time in a T20 World Cup, suffered a knock in the nets on Saturday. However, the Pakistani captain said the injury is not serious enough to keep her out of the game on Sunday.
“Ayesha (Zafar) played the shot, and it hit my knee,” Sana said in the pre-match press conference. “I think it is good now.”
When asked if she would be fit for Sunday’s all-important clash, Sana responded by saying, “Yes, hopefully.”
Pakistan are eyeing their maiden T20 World Cup title victory. The limited-overs competition will be played between 12 teams, with the final scheduled for July 5 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Political tensions between India and Pakistan make their cricket rivalries iconic. Any fixture between the men’s and women’s senior teams is watched by fans avidly around the world.
After India, Pakistan will take on South Africa on Jun. 17, Bangladesh on Jun. 20, Australia on Jun. 23 and Netherlands on Jun. 27.
Squad:
Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab.
