A bold new era is on the horizon for Pakistan’s women’s cricket team. With former captain Nida Dar stepping away from the game to focus on her mental well-being, and after the middle-order woes witnessed during last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, the team finds itself at a critical point of transition. As they prepare for their first T20I series since that tournament, the door is wide open for fresh talent from the domestic circuit to step up and shape the team’s new identity.
Pakistan is set to kick off their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series against Ireland, starting August 6 in Dublin. This series marks the beginning of an important build-up phase, featuring three bilateral series against Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and a Tri-series involving the West Indies and Ireland over the next eleven months. With a packed calendar ahead, the stage is set for both seasoned players and emerging talent to make their mark.
On July 23, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland, and among the most exciting inclusions is uncapped batter Eyman Fatima. The explosive right-hander first made headlines during the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in 2023, where she built her reputation as a fearless powerplay striker.
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In a bold tactical shift, Eyman recently transitioned from opening to batting at No. 4 during the National Women’s T20 tournament in Karachi — a move that paid off spectacularly. She piled up 287 runs in just 8 innings, boasting a staggering average of 71.75 and a blazing strike rate of 155.14. Her tally included 42 boundaries and 7 sixes, making her the tournament’s second-highest six-hitter, only behind captain Fatima Sana. With form, firepower, and adaptability on her side, Eyman’s inclusion signals a thrilling new prospect for Pakistan’s T20 future.
Pakistan has made several notable changes to their squad since their last international outing — most significantly, the exclusions of Iram Javed and Nida Dar. For years, the duo were regarded as two of the most powerful hitters in Pakistan’s women’s cricket setup. While Nida Dar offered a well-rounded presence as a seasoned all-rounder, Iram Javed was often selected specifically for her ability to bring firepower to the T20 format.
The inclusion of Eyman Fatima signals not just a generational shift, but a strategic one. Her selection suggests that Pakistan is ready to move forward, with Eyman likely stepping into the role of a middle-overs power-hitter — a responsibility long handled by the likes of Nida and Iram.
In Pakistan’s top three, only one spot remains up for grabs. Muneeba Ali is set to open the innings at No. 1, while Sidra Amin is likely to take the No. 3 slot. That leaves the second opener’s position open — a spot both Gul Feroza and Sadaf Shamas will be eyeing closely.
Both players featured in two matches during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup but failed to make a significant impact. While they’ve each played more than a handful of T20Is, neither has quite cemented their place. Gul Feroza holds a slight edge statistically, averaging 17.75 in 18 matches with two half-centuries. In contrast, Sadaf Shamas has averaged just 6.10 across 10 innings.
However, Sadaf has added a new dimension to her game this year, transitioning from a part-time bowler to a regular medium pacer in the National T20, where she claimed 9 wickets in 9 matches. Both players bring different strengths to the table — Sadaf offers a useful bowling option, while Gul can don the gloves as a wicketkeeper.
With eleven months to go until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in June, the race is on for both to secure that coveted opening spot.
In the middle order, captain Fatima Sana has three options to fill the No. 4, 5, and 6 slots: Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima, and Natalia Parvaiz — unless she decides to promote herself up the batting order. Fatima has made significant strides as a batter over the past year or two, emerging as a dependable presence in pressure situations.
Her crucial 30 off 20 balls against Sri Lanka in last year’s T20 World Cup — a low-scoring clash that Pakistan won by 31 runs — was a clear sign of her growing maturity with the bat. More recently, she topped the run charts in the National T20 tournament, scoring 347 runs in 8 innings at an impressive average of 57.83 and a strike rate of 163.68.
With her current form, Fatima may well be tempted to take on greater responsibility in the middle order, adding even more balance and intent to Pakistan’s lineup.
If Fatima Sana decides to save herself for the later overs, there’s a good chance that young Eyman Fatima will be given the No. 4 spot — the same position she played in during the recent domestic tournament. Aliya Riaz would likely come in at No. 5, bringing experience and calmness to the middle order.
This combination creates a strong and balanced middle order. Eyman would bat between two experienced players — Sidra Amin before her and Aliya Riaz after — which would help her feel more confident. At the same time, Aliya would have Eyman and Natalia Parvaiz around her, creating a solid mix of young talent, power, and experience.
The selection committee has also included wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi in the squad. Najiha has represented Pakistan in eight T20Is but hasn’t had many opportunities to spend time at the crease. However, her chances of making the playing XI are slim, as Muneeba Ali is expected to take up the wicketkeeping duties.
If Gul Feroza is also selected alongside Muneeba, the team will already have two keeping options, making Najiha’s inclusion unlikely in the final XI. Last year, Najiha was brought in as a replacement for Diana Baig during the ICC T20 World Cup after Diana was injured in the opening match against Sri Lanka. Even then, she didn’t get a chance to play, as Muneeba continued as the first-choice keeper.
In the fast-bowling department, Pakistan will rely on a trio of Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, and Waheeda Akhtar. Diana Baig, who suffered an injury after bowling just one delivery in Pakistan’s opening game of last year’s T20 World Cup, is set to make her return to T20I cricket. She’ll be aiming to reclaim her place and build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Based on the current scenario, Fatima and Diana are expected to be Pakistan’s first-choice pacers. However, it’s equally important to give Waheeda Akhtar some game time ahead of major tournaments. Having a match-ready backup is crucial, as last year’s World Cup showed — when Diana’s injury left Pakistan with a very inexperienced third seamer in Tasmia Rubab. Ensuring the third pacer stays match-fit and confident will be vital, and it’s something the management must keep in focus.
Last but not least, Pakistan’s biggest strength in women’s cricket – spin bowling – remains a key asset. The squad boasts the world’s No. 1 T20I bowler, Sadia Iqbal, and No. 6-ranked Nashra Sandhu, both proven match-winners in their own right.
Their presence will be vital not just in the upcoming bilateral series leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, but also during the tournament itself. With their experience and skill, Sadia and Nashra are expected to play a central role in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Apart from Sadia and Nashra, the squad also includes right-arm leg-spinner Tuba Hasan, who can bat a little, and right-arm off-spinner Rameen Shamim, selected to help cover the spin roles left by Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail.
Since most of the upcoming tours and the T20 World Cup will be played outside Asia, only one of the two spinners might get regular chances. However, with Fatima Sana improving as a batter, there’s a strong possibility that both could play — especially if the captain decides to move herself into the top six, replacing a specialist batter.
With a packed calendar ahead and fresh faces stepping up, Pakistan’s women’s team stands at the cusp of transformation. Blending youth with experience, and clarity with ambition, this next chapter is more than just about rebuilding — it’s about redefining their identity on the global stage. The road to the 2026 T20 World Cup begins now, and the stakes have never been higher.
Pakistan T20I squad vs Ireland
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar.
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