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Women’s cricket in Pakistan: Stars shine in a record-breaking season

By Our Correspondent
April 14, 2026
Waheeda Akhtar of Pakistan celebrates taking the wicket of Danni Wyatt of England with teammates during the 2nd Womens Vitality IT20 match between England and Pakistan at The County Ground on May 17, 2024 in Northampton, England. — ECB
Waheeda Akhtar of Pakistan celebrates taking the wicket of Danni Wyatt of England with teammates during the 2nd Women's Vitality IT20 match between England and Pakistan at The County Ground on May 17, 2024 in Northampton, England. — ECB

LAHORE: The recently concluded National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 has not only crowned the Stars as back-to-back champions but also marked a turning point in the evolution of women’s cricket in Pakistan. With record-breaking totals, standout individual performances, and a fearless brand of cricket, the competition has showcased the growing depth and ambition of the women’s game.

Led by Tuba Hassan, the Stars defeated Invincibles by 52 runs in the final at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, Lahore. Their triumph followed last year’s victory over Conquerors, cementing their reputation as the most consistent side in domestic women’s cricket. Hassan’s leadership was defined by intent and balance — she contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 192 runs and taking 10 wickets across the tournament.

The tournament witnessed the highest-ever total in Pakistan women’s domestic T20 cricket, as Conquerors posted 241 against Challengers. This surpassed Lahore’s 233-run record set in 2024, underlining the aggressive batting approach now defining the women’s game. With one century and 21 half-centuries recorded, the competition reflected a new era of attacking cricket.

Among the stars of the seasons includesMuneeba Ali (Invincibles): The leading run-scorer with 344 runs, including four half-centuries, earning her the Best Batter award. Momina Riasat (Invincibles): Claimed 16 wickets to be named Best Bowler, with best figures of 4 for 10.

Anosha Nasir (Conquerors): Delivered a historic six-wicket haul (6 for 13), the second-best in Pakistan’s women’s T20 history. Fatima Sana (Conquerors): Joint Player of the Tournament alongside Tuba Hassan, with 271 runs and eight wickets, embodying the modern all-rounder’s role.

Both Hassan and Sana emphasized the importance of fearless cricket. Hassan spoke of targeting totals around 160–170 and contributing across departments, while Sana highlighted the demand for attacking cricket at the international level. Their words reflect a broader shift: domestic players are aligning their game with global standards, focusing on power-hitting, aggressive intent, and tactical adaptability. The tournament’s success is more than just numbers. It signals a cultural change in Pakistan’s sporting landscape, where women’s cricket is no longer seen as a secondary pursuit but as a competitive, evolving discipline. The PCB’s investment in camps and structured training has created a platform for players to express themselves, while performances like those of Muneeba Ali and Anosha Nasir inspire the next generation.

With Pakistan’s women cricketers increasingly adopting modern strategies, the domestic circuit is becoming a breeding ground for international success. The Stars’ title defence, record-breaking totals, and fearless batting are not just milestones — they are markers of a sport in transition.