Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was choked and in tears as she stood for the National Anthem while leading her team in their last group match of the Women’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand on Monday. The 22-year-old all-rounder had lost her father a few days ago and had to rush back home; but she came back for the crucial match, putting her national duty first.
Her team’s campaign, however, ended with a sorry defeat; but Sana’s courage despite a personal loss won the hearts of cricket fans.
She had flown back home to be with his family and missed the game against Australia but was back in time for the must-win encounter against New Zealand. However, Pakistan were bowled out for just 56 while chasing only 111 to win to crash out of the tournament.
The visuals of Sana crying during the national anthem went viral on social media.
The defeat knocked all three Asian teams — India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — out of the tournament as they finished third, fourth and fifth respectively in Group A.
Australia and New Zealand qualified for the semifinals from the group.
Chasing a paltry total, Pakistan had to win in quick time to improve their net run rate considerably to finish in the top two. However, they first slipped to 28 for 5 and then crashed from 52 for 6 to 56 all out.
Sana was the top-score for her team with a knock of 21.