Sana’s Dedication to Play and Perform After A Heartbreaking Loss

Sana was playing in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020 when she got the news of her father’s sudden death. Sana had a video call with him just days before his death in which she talked about the matches that Pakistan had against Sri Lanka and India. 

Her father, who served in the Pakistan Air Force, was extremely proud of her accomplishments. He was her constant support, even in the most challenging situations.

A Loss Nothing Can Fill Out

Sana remembers telling her mother, “No, I cannot do this”, when she did not want to go back to the tournament after her father’s death. Her mother, with tremendous power, reminded her that it was her father who had hoped she would keep playing. These words and her father’s usual smile motivated her to return to the field.

Leadership Under Pressure

Only weeks before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sana became the captain of the Pak women's cricket team, taking over the experienced Nida Dar. She was surprised to have this responsibility at such an early stage of her career. 

With her incredible leadership skills and outstanding in-field performances, Sana proved her position in just a few months of her captainship. 

As a captain, she has collected 14 wickets with an overall average of 17.71 in the seven matches.

From Wicket Taker to All-Rounder

The career history of Sana as a cricketer is also remarkable. She performed well with the bat when the team needed. 

Sana has scored two of her three ODI fifties after being the Pakistan Women's team captain, which is a credit to her increased confidence and improved batting skills. Her performance in T20Is has also seen significant growth, with a strike rate of 146.37.

“I’m still training on my batting and feel that I can make No. 5 my permanent position”, she said in an interview. 

Her story speaks of her dedication as a leader who is ready to take on challenges.

Message She Brings to the Next Generation

Sana has not only focused on making her team successful but also made sure to learns the best. Her respect for Sana Mir, the former captain of Pakistan, is well-documented. Mir’s advice and guidance, particularly during the beginning of Sana's career, have created an impact on her performance.

“She helped me through the national selection process, and to this day, I take her for advice,” she said. The strong leadership approach that Sana continues to pursue is similar to that of Sana Mir, whom Sana admired for her qualities. 

Both players are making their teammates feel supported and being humble on the way to victory. This bond has contributed to making Sana what she is today, a player and a leader.

Her Mentors and Coaches

Under the guidance of Pakistan's new bowling coach, Junaid Khan, Sana has focused on improving her swing bowling. Junaid Khan, Sana explains, taught her a lot about how to control the ball and move it effectively. 

She has come a long way, as indicated by her bowling, especially in World Cup qualifiers in Lahore, where she was the second-highest wicket-taker.

The Pakistani women’s team has stepped up preparations by training against age-group boys’ teams, giving players like Sana the chance to face bowlers who reach 125 kph pace. This move has sharpened their skills and kept the team competitive at the international level.

This practice has contributed to building their capabilities, which keep the team competitive in the international game.

The World Cup Dream

With the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup approaching, Sana's vision for the team is clear. Following a string of good performances, Pakistan is now targeting to reach at least the semi-finals. Although they are not regarded as favorites, Sana is convinced that the team's potential is enormous. 

The decision to hold the World Cup in Colombo is a good sign for the team, as the squad will not have to travel and will be able to adjust to the playing conditions. Sana's leadership on the team has made this shift easier.

What’s Next

Although the loss of her father was devastating, it turned out to be the motivation for her success. Sana says her father always wanted her to play on the Pakistan team, and that is a major motivator to her. This strong attachment to her father's wishes fuels her passion to take her team to new heights.

The story of Sana is a testament to how one can rise above personal tragedy, find strength through leadership, and build a team to realize their dreams. To the Pakistan women’s cricket team, her leadership serves as a source of optimism, and it is a reminder that nothing is impossible here without perseverance.