Fatima Sana Highlights Pressure‑Play Benefits Ahead of Dubai Asia Cup

Fatima Sana, captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, praised the recent practice game against a male side as a turning point in the squad’s preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.

The match, staged at Lahore’s NCA, adhered to the 20‑over format and pitted the women against the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy’s men’s team, a blend of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners. The set‑up was deliberately designed to raise the stakes, compelling the women to make swift tactical choices under duress.

Sana explained, “The biggest challenge for us is handling pressure in big tournaments. Facing the men helped us understand how to stay steady when the scoreboard ticks against us.” She emphasized the need for calmness, confidence in skill execution, and strict adherence to game plans during crunch moments.

The captain also noted that Dubai’s playing conditions are expected to mirror those in Pakistan, giving the team a familiar footing. After a lackluster showing at the 2026 T20 World Cup – just one win out of five – the side hopes the men’s match will translate into stronger batting, tighter bowling and sharper fielding as they vie for a place in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong.