BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has given a reassuring update on her fitness after injuring her right knee during a net session on Saturday, easing concerns over her availability for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Edgbaston.
Fatima sustained the blow when she was hit on the follow-through by Ayesha Jaffer’s straight drive during practice at the Nets. The captain immediately collapsed on the spot in visible discomfort.
Team physios and teammates immediately rushed to her aid and helped her out of the training area. She took no further part in the session and spent most of the rest of the time on the sidelines, icing her right knee.
After about 45 minutes, Fatima was able to walk without assistance and then went to the main stadium. The Pakistan captain tried to play down the injury, suggesting it was not serious.
“It was a normal ball hit. Ayesha Baaji played the shot and hit my knee. I think it’s fine now. I hope I’ll be fine tomorrow,” Sana said.
Beyond her leadership role, Fatima is Pakistan’s key all-rounder. Since the last World Cup, she has scored runs at a strike rate of 183.06, including a 15-ball fifty—the fastest in a women’s T20I—and a fluent 41-ball 90 against South Africa in Potchefstroom.
He took 2/12 with 47 off 30 balls against South Africa in Benoni earlier this year.
Historically, the two teams have met 16 times in the shortest format, with India winning 13 and Pakistan winning three.
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