Fatima Sana's all-round brilliance against South Africa helps her land £15,000 deal in the women's Hundred

Hours after delivering a breathtaking all‑round performance against South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Fatima Sana has been snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix in the Women’s Hundred. The 24‑year‑old was signed in Thursday’s wildcard draft, replacing Australian left‑arm seamer Lucy Hamilton, who was withdrawn by Cricket Australia (CA) due to workload concerns.

Sana’s contract is worth the Hundred’s minimum pay of £15,000 (approximately 5.6 million PKR), but the significance of the deal goes far beyond the numbers. She becomes the first Pakistan player to feature in the women’s competition this season, a milestone that reflects her growing stature in world cricket.

Her immediate availability, however, remains uncertain. Pakistan are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a white‑ball series beginning July 23, with the final T20I set for August 4 in Hambantota. This overlap means Sana may miss the start of the season for Phoenix due to national duty.

Fatima Sana's valiant effort against South Africa goes in vain

Sana’s signing comes on the heels of her heroics at Edgbaston. With Pakistan reeling at 50/8 in 10.4 overs and staring at their lowest-ever WT20I total, she combined with Tuba Hassan for a remarkable 71‑run ninth‑wicket stand. Sana’s unbeaten 55 off 38 balls, decorated with six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 144.73, rescued her side from humiliation and showcased her composure under pressure.

With the ball, she was equally effective, claiming 3/16 in 2.5 overs and dismissing key batters, including Sune Luus and Nadine de Klerk. Despite two dropped catches in the field, her overall impact was undeniable.

However, her valiant effort went in vain as South Africa eventually edged home thanks to Annerie Dercksen’s 52 and de Klerk’s 37. Dercksen was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM).