Fatima Sana leads from front as Pakistan qualify for World Cup

Dubai: Fatima Sana’s all-round performance and another spirited bowling display helped Pakistan book their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after a comprehensive 67-run victory over Thailand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.

Skipper Fatima Sana emerged as the match-winner yet again — first with the bat, rescuing Pakistan with an unbeaten 62, and then with the ball, leading the bowling unit with a three-wicket haul. The win sealed Pakistan’s spot in the mega event to be held later this year in India, making them the first team to qualify from the six-nation qualifier that also features Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand.

Electing to bat, Pakistan struggled for momentum early in their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. The innings was reeling at 85 for 4 in the 32nd over when Fatima joined the experienced Sidra Amin at the crease. Together, the duo stitched a crucial 97-run partnership that not only stabilised the innings but also laid the platform for a competitive total.

Sidra, who has been a consistent performer throughout the qualifiers, once again rose to the occasion with a composed 80 off 105 balls. She hit eight boundaries and anchored the innings when the rest of the top order faltered under pressure.

Fatima, on the other hand, capitalised on multiple dropped chances by Thailand’s fielders to smash an unbeaten 62 off just 59 balls, with five fours and a six. Her late charge powered Pakistan past the 200-run mark, finishing at 205 for 6 — a total that looked below par on paper but proved more than enough on the day.

Chasing 206, Thailand looked to be building a steady platform, reaching 44 for 1 at one stage. But the introduction of Fatima Sana into the attack tilted the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour. The skipper dismissed opener Nattaya Boochatham for 16, breaking the back of Thailand’s top order.

Thailand were eventually bundled out for just 138 in 45.4 overs, falling short by 67 runs.

Pakistan have now won all four of their matches in the tournament, entering the final round with a perfect record.