Pakistan captain Fatima Sana to return home in middle of 2024 Women's T20 World Cup after father's death

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana is set to head back home in the middle of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 after the death of her father. According to Geo News Pakistan, she'll fly to Karachi on the earliest available flight.

It's a massive blow to the Women in Green ahead of their crucial clash against Australia on Friday, October 11. Apart from being an inspirational leader, Fatima was Pakistan's best player in the first two games against Sri Lanka and India.

Against the Lankans, the 22-year-old scored 30 crucial runs and took two wickets, including that of her opposite number Chamari Athapaththu, in a Player of the Match-worthy performance. She took another two wickets against India — Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh — on consecutive balls in the middle overs to keep her team afloat before they eventually lost by six wickets in the 19th over.

Other reports in Pakistan have suggested that Fatima's teammates and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi have extended their condolences to the skipper. The PCB is yet to announce a captaincy replacement.

Fatima took over as captain from senior all-rounder Nida Dar just before the tournament. It was her first stint as a T20I captain and in an ICC event. The first victory against Sri Lanka made her the youngest captain after Australia's Meg Lanning to lead her side to a win in a Women's World Cup match.

Pakistan to next play against Australia and New Zealand in Women's T20 World Cup 2024

After the loss to India, Pakistan's remaining two matches are must-win if they have to qualify for the semi-finals.

Without Fatima, Pakistan will have to punch heavily above their weight on Friday against defending champions Australia, who have already registered two big wins. Pakistan's last group-stage game, against New Zealand, will be played on October 14.

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