Fatima Sana scripted, became first captain to achieve unique feat in Women’s T20 World Cup despite Pakistan heartbreak

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana (Pic credit: ICC) Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced one of the most remarkable all-round performances in the history of the Women’s World T20, becoming the first captain to score a half-century and take three wickets in the same match, although her heroics ultimately ended in heartbreak as South Africa cruised to a thrilling two-wicket win in Birmingham.

What do you think is more impressive about Fatima Sana’s success?

The 23-year-old entered the record books with an unbeaten 55 off just 38 deliveries and figures of 3/16, joining the elite list of players to score more than 50 and take three or more wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup match. However, she became the first captain to do so.

The historic all-rounder will light up Birmingham

Pakistan looked destined for an embarrassing collapse after South Africa’s pace attack led by Marizanne Kapp and Shabni Ismail reduced them to 50/8. Kapp struck with the very first ball of the innings and left Pakistan staring at disaster on a slow surface.But Fatima refused to give up. Alongside Tuba Hassan, she put together a fighting stand of 71 runs, the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s World T20 history, to drag Pakistan to a competitive 126.The captain launched a late counter-attack, smashing two sixes in the final over over Nadine de Klerk before bringing up her half-century and finishing with a flourish.“We tried to take the game deep because we know we have the ability and Tuba has it too. We tried to go deep and execute our plans,” Fatima said.50+ scores and 3+ wickets in a T20 Women’s World Cup match

• (62 and 3) – Hayley Matthews vs SL, Gros Islet, 2018
• (61* and 3) – Sune Luus vs THA, Canberra,
• (55 and 3) – Shafali Verma vs NED, Leeds, 2026
• (55* and 3) – Fatima Sana vs SA, Birmingham, 2026*

‘The fight was there’

Fatima then sparked hopes of an unlikely three-wicket save as Pakistan’s spinners pushed South Africa to the limit in a tense chase.Despite her extraordinary efforts, Pakistan fell miserably as South Africa held their nerve to record a two-wicket victory – one of the narrowest in Women’s World T20 history. South Africa have now won all four World Cup matches against Pakistan.Lowest win in WT20 World Cups (in wickets)

• In 2 weeks – ENG vs IND, Dharamsala, 2016
• In 1 week – ENG vs WI, Dharamsala, 2016
• By 2 wkts – SA vs PAK, Birmingham, 2026*

Reflecting on the defeat, an emotional Fatima admitted her side failed to capture key moments.“I think we just couldn’t finish the game. The fight was there and the effort was there, but we just couldn’t finish it off,” she said.Asked how she was enjoying the added responsibility of captain, she said: “I’m enjoying the role but we still need to win games. I’m enjoying it but there’s still a long way to go.”Looking to the future, Fatima emphasized the importance of staying calm under pressure.“We have to stay calm in the field, especially when the momentum is against us. We have to be more calm in these situations and try to improve and perform better next time,” she added.