Muneeba Ali Takes Charge: Can Pakistan Shock the Cricket World?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-30

Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, and it’s a move that’s got cricket fans talking. The tournament runs from November 12 to 25 in Ajman, UAE, and Pakistan is making its debut. But here’s the twist: regular skipper Fatima Sana won’t be there. ### Why Fatima Sana Is Missing Sana got the green light to skip this one because of her commitments with the Women’s Big Bash League. She’s suiting up for the Perth Scorchers—her first stint in the Australian league. It’s a big opportunity for her, but it leaves a hole in Pakistan’s leadership. Enter Muneeba Ali. Muneeba isn’t new to this. She captained Pakistan in the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka earlier this year. So she knows what it takes to lead the side. Ayesha Zafar will be her deputy. ### A Squad Built on Asian Games Success Selectors have kept faith with the core that won bronze at the Asian Games in Japan. Twelve of those players are back. Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar also return after missing that tournament, adding fresh legs. The batting line-up looks solid with Zafar, Gull Feroza, Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eyman Fatima, and Saira Jabeen. Keep an eye on 19-year-old Eman Naseer—she made her debut in the Sri Lanka series and has three T20Is under her belt. ### Bowling Attack: Spin to Win Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu leads the attack. She’s the only Pakistani in the ICC top 10 for women’s T20I bowlers, and her experience will be crucial. Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Momina Riasat give the team plenty of spin options. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar are the pacers. Muneeba and Feroza will don the gloves. Here’s the full squad: - Muneeba Ali (captain, wicketkeeper) - Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain) - Eman Naseer - Eyman Fatima - Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper) - Momina Riasat - Nashra Sandhu - Sadaf Shamas - Saira Jabeen - Shawaal Zulfiqar - Tasmia Rubab - Tuba Hassan - Umm-e-Hani - Waheeda Akhtar ### Group B: The Road Ahead The tournament has expanded from eight to 10 teams, and Pakistan is one of five Full Member nations. They’re in Group B with defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. The top three from each group advance to the Super Six stage, then the semis and final. Pakistan opens against Bangladesh on November 12. It’s a tough group, but with Muneeba at the helm, this team believes it can compete. > “We have a balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience. The goal is to play fearless cricket and make our mark,” Muneeba said in a recent interview. All eyes will be on Ajman. Can Pakistan surprise everyone? We’ll find out soon enough.