NZ W vs PAK W: Fatima Sana to lead as Nida Dar out injured

In a setback for Pakistan's women's cricket team, captain Nida Dar has been sidelined from the upcoming second ODI against New Zealand due to concussion symptoms. The injury arose from a facial blow during the first game, which left the skipper in need of rest for two days. Stepping up to lead the team in Dar's absence will be 22-year-old pace bowler Fatima Sana, set for her captaincy debut in Christchurch on Friday. 

Sana had previously showcased her leadership skills by steering Pakistan in the ACC Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, guiding them to the semi-finals. During the first ODI, Dar, while bowling her seventh over, faced a fierce shot from Sophie Devine that struck her in the face. Immediate medical attention was provided on the field before she was taken off. Her availability for the third match remained uncertain.

"It is an honour to lead the Pakistan women's side in ODIs, although the circumstances are unfortunate with Nida Dar's injury. She has been an inspiration, and I wish her a speedy recovery. We had a historic T20I series win against New Zealand, and I know the players are eager to perform well in the ODI series too. Although we didn't have a good outing in the first ODI, we are all geared up to excel in tomorrow's game," Sana said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Injury woes pile up for Pakistan

The injury woes for Pakistan don't end there, with Diana Baig and Shawaal Zulfiqar also out of action. Baig underwent surgery on her index finger, injured during a pre-match practice, that ruled her out of cricketing action for approximately four weeks. These injuries pose a challenge for Pakistan in the ongoing series, which tested the team's depth and resilience as they will aim to regroup and perform in the remaining matches against New Zealand.

Pakistan's squad for second ODI: Fatima Sana (capt), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.