Fatima Sana becomes first Pakistani captain to score 90 runs in Women ODIs

Praises poured in for Fatima Sana, the 22-year-old batter who rescued the Green Shirts from a tough situation when four wickets fell at a mere 35 runs. She stood her ground, contributing 90 runs to set a respectable target for the Kiwis.

In her captaincy debut, Fatima Sana made history as the first woman captain to score the highest runs in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). 

Career-best score in WODIs ✅
Highest score by a Pakistan captain in WODIs ✅

What an effort by Fatima Sana 👏🏽#NZvPAK | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/xpEdmZr0MZ

— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) December 15, 2023

While Pakistan faced defeat in the ODI series against New Zealand, Fatima's crucial 90 runs prevented a crushing loss.

From 35 for 4, stand-in captain Fatima Sana's 90 not out takes Pakistan to 220 in the second ODI against New Zealand 👏https://t.co/YWrexFcSxS #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/CZ0CJpDrRM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 15, 2023

With the top order collapsing at a mere 35 runs, the 22-year-old batter stepped in and contributed 90 runs on 104 balls, including seven fours and a six. 

Pakistan concluded their innings at 220 runs in 50 overs.

Although New Zealand successfully chased the target of 221 runs with seven balls to spare, they lost nine wickets in the process.

The host team seemed looked set for a victory, reaching 155-2 with Suzie Bates and Maddy Green forming a strong 142-run partnership, which now stands as New Zealand's third-highest 3rd-wicket partnership in women's ODIs.

Despite the Green Shirts limiting New Zealand to 208-9, the Kiwi batter Lea Tahuhu contributed 21 runs in 26 balls to guide her team to victory

Pakistan has suffered defeats in two matches of the ODI series, with the final match scheduled for December 18.

Fatima Sana assumed the captaincy of the Pakistan women’s team, taking over from Nida Dar, who was sidelined due to injury during the second ODI against New Zealand women at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday.

Earlier, the Pakistan women's cricket team secured victory in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand by 2-1 at John Davies Oval on Saturday. 

The Green Shirts triumphed in the first two matches against the Kiwis by seven wickets and 10 runs, respectively, making history as the first Asian team to win a T20 series in New Zealand.