Former Pakistan skipper Sana Mir, a familiar face in past ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, has shared her thoughts ahead of the much-awaited 2025 edition, which begins on April 9 in Pakistan.
With six teams—Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand—fighting it out for the final two spots at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year, Sana believes this could be the most hotly contested qualifier yet. Drawing from her leadership experience in the 2008, 2011, and 2017 qualifiers, she shared her views on the teams to watch and the key aspects that might decide the tournament, which will feature 15 matches in total.
Sana Mir picks her favorite for World Cup Qualifier
Sana placed her support behind the West Indies as possible front-runners, crediting their recent consistency and the impressive captaincy of Hayley Matthews. Still, she emphasized that every team stands a chance.
“It will be a tough competition. West Indies have done brilliantly in the last couple of years, especially under Hayley Matthews. West Indies are perhaps favourites, but the rest are quite neck-and-neck,” said Sana as quoted by Female Cricket.
She also praised Thailand’s rise in the cricketing world, pointing out the team’s tireless effort and the potential of Associate sides to create upsets with more exposure.
“You can never write Thailand off with the work ethic they have,” added Sana.
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Pakistan’s home advantage and key players
As hosts, Pakistan enter the competition with strong expectations. Sana expressed faith in the squad guided by Fatima Sana, spotlighting players like Sidra Ameen, Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and the returning Diana Baig as vital to their campaign.
“There is Sidra Ameen at the top, Muneeba (Ali) has good experience, Aliya (Riaz) is in the middle with Fatima Sana and Diana (Baig) is back in good rhythm with the ball,” explained Sana.
A tournament of balance and pressure
Sana’s analysis paints a picture of a qualifier where experience, current form, and the ability to perform under pressure will be decisive. While the West Indies may have an edge, the close competition among the other teams promises an exciting showdown.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
