Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 squad SWOT analysis: Fatima Sana headlines pack of dreamers hoping to make a mark

Fatima Sana-led Pakistan is all set to put on a show in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

Pakistan qualified for the tournament via the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which was held in April this year. The side finished in the pole position, after winning all their games, including victories against West Indies and Bangladesh.

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Here’s a quick guide to Pakistan’s squad in this tournament:

Captain – Fatima Sana

Coach – Mohammad Wasim

Best WC performance – Super Six (2009)

ICC Ranking – 8th

STRENGTH

Pakistan enters the 2025 World Cup buoyed by an unbeaten run in the Qualifiers, where it swept all five matches to secure its spot. Sidra Amin has emerged as the side’s stabilising force at No. 3, consistently anchoring innings, while Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz provide valuable support. At least one of the three produced a fifty in every qualifier game, giving Pakistan a reliability at the top it has long lacked.

The bowling unit showed teeth in the Qualifiers. Fatima Sana led from the front with 12 wickets, supported by Nashra Sandhu (10), Sadia Iqbal (9), and Diana Baig (7). Nashra, heading into her third World Cup, brings the control and nous to lead a spin-heavy attack well suited to Indian conditions.

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Fatima, still just 22, now captains the side and is Pakistan’s most vital all-rounder. Her leadership and versatility represent the team’s biggest source of optimism in this new era.

WEAKNESS

Pakistan’s inconsistency remains its biggest liability. The 2022–25 ICC Championship cycle yielded just eight wins in 24 matches and a ninth-place finish, underlining its struggles against stronger opposition. Leadership upheavals — from Bismah Maroof to Nida Dar before Fatima’s promotion — only deepened instability.

The batting order is fragile beyond a few key players. Muneeba still lacks a reliable opening partner, while the lower order has offered little resistance. With Bismah and Javeria Khan retired, Pakistan lacks proven anchors in tight contests.

Bowling balance is also affected by Nida Dar’s absence, leaving the pace burden on Diana and Fatima with limited support. Fielding, persistently below par, continues to cost the team crucial chances.

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OPPORTUNITY

Fatima’s rise offers Pakistan a chance to reset its identity. Her strong debut as captain against New Zealand — a 90 not out alongside two new-ball wickets — showed her ability to inspire performances and rally a side in transition.

Subcontinental conditions give Pakistan’s spin attack a platform to control games, especially if Nashra and Sadia can replicate their qualifier form. With Sidra in rhythm and younger players gaining exposure, Pakistan has the chance to surprise opponents and build beyond its reputation as a Qualifier team.

THREAT

Pakistan’s tendency to unravel against top-tier sides remains its greatest risk. Heavy defeats in the Championship exposed vulnerabilities under pressure, and unless corrected, the team could struggle to translate qualifier dominance into World Cup success.

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The side’s dependence on a small core — Sidra with the bat, Fatima and Nashra with ball and leadership — leaves little margin for error. If any of these falter, Pakistan lacks depth to cover the shortfall. Combined with erratic fielding, the team could once again fall short in tight matches.

PREDICTION

Pakistan’s blend of youth and experience sparks promise, with Fatima Sana at its core. But unless batting depth improves and the fielding sharpens, even lone wolf performances might not be enough to carry them out of the group stage.

Published on Sep 22, 2025