Fatima Sana named in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been included in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament after a strong all-round showing across the competition.

The International Cricket Council announced the 12-player selection on Monday, with players from eight countries making the squad. World champions Australia had the biggest representation with four players, while runners-up England had two. Pakistan, India, South Africa, Ireland and Sri Lanka each had one player in the line-up, and Scotland's Darcey Carter was chosen as the 12th player.

The side features Australia's Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner and captain Sophie Molineux, along with England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The remaining players are Pakistan's Fatima, India's Sree Charani, South Africa's Marizanne Kapp, Ireland's Orla Prendergast and Sri Lanka's Nilakshika Silva.

Fatima's performances

Fatima's selection was one of the main takeaways for Pakistan from the ICC announcement. Although Pakistan managed just one win in the 12-team tournament, beating the Netherlands in their final group-stage match, the skipper produced steady returns with both bat and ball throughout the event.

She ended the tournament with 11 wickets in five matches at an average of 11.27 and also scored 85 runs. The ICC described Fatima as the 'beating heart' of Pakistan's side while noting her influence in important moments.

One of her standout displays came against South Africa, when she made an unbeaten 55 after Pakistan had slumped to 50-8 and then took 3-16, nearly taking her team to a notable win. She also returned 3-12 against the Netherlands as Pakistan sealed a 37-run victory in their last group fixture.

Other tournament standouts

England opener Wyatt-Hodge finished as the tournament's top run-scorer with 302 runs. India's Sree Charani was the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets.

Australia's Beth Mooney, who scored 238 runs and played important innings in both knockout matches, was named Player of the Tournament. Australia's heavy presence in the team reflected a campaign that ended with a seventh Women's T20 World Cup title.