Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana lands WBBL deal with Perth Scorchers

Pakistan women’s T20I captain Fatima Sana has signed a one-year deal with Perth Scorchers for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season.

The 24-year-old all-rounder’s signing completes Perth’s overseas roster for WBBL 12, with England’s Freya Kemp and New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine also returning to the franchise after featuring in last season’s runners-up campaign.

Sana will be available for the Scorchers’ first eight matches and will become only the second Pakistan women’s cricketer to play in the WBBL. Former Pakistan captain Nida Dar was the first, representing Sydney Thunder in 11 matches during the fifth edition of the tournament.

Since making her international debut in 2019, Sana has become an important part of Pakistan’s white-ball setup. She has played 70 T20Is, scoring 957 runs at an average of 33 and taking 72 wickets.

Earlier this year, Sana also became the first Pakistani woman to play in The Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix in six matches.

She further made history by recording the fastest half-century in women’s T20I cricket, reaching the milestone in just 15 deliveries against Zimbabwe and surpassing the previous record, which was jointly held by several players, including her new Scorchers teammate Sophie Devine.

Sana described her move to Perth as a “dream come true” and said she was excited to play in front of WBBL fans at the WACA Ground.

“I’ve watched the WBBL from Pakistan and always wondered what it would feel like to be part of this great competition,” Sana said.

“To now wear the Scorchers colours, represent such a great club and walk out at the WACA Ground in front of members and fans, while being cheered on by people back home, is incredibly special.”