Fatima Sana outshines in rain-hit World Cup clash

WEB DESK: Pakistan may have been denied what could have been their greatest World Cup win by unrelenting rain, but captain Fatima Sana ensured her name will be remembered long after the puddles have dried.

The 23-year-old fast bowler produced one of the most electric spells of the tournament on Wednesday night, ripping through England’s top order and reminding the cricketing world that Pakistan’s tradition of fierce, fearless pacers is alive and well, and now led by a woman.

Sana’s opening spell was pure theatre. In her first five overs, she dismissed Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight, leaving England reeling at 39 for 4. Her deliveries seamed, darted and danced on a surface usually known for aiding spinners, proving her command over both control and chaos. Her wobble-seam ball to Jones, threading the gap between bat and pad to crash into the stumps, was as artful as it was ruthless.

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By the time she claimed her fourth wicket, Charlie Dean, with a clever short delivery, Sana had single-handedly turned the contest on its head. Her pace, precision and aggression charged up her teammates, who backed her spell with sharp fielding and infectious energy.

Pakistan’s openers then gave chase with confidence before rain intervened, washing away what seemed destined to be a historic victory, Pakistan’s first ever ODI win over England.

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Yet, in a night cut short by weather, Fatima Sana’s brilliance shone bright. From carrying the weight of captaincy and controversy to leading by sheer skill, she reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy now wears a new face, one with a hairband, fierce eyes, and a world-class outswinger.