Sana Mir Names Her Favorites For The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025

As the countdown begins for one of the most anticipated women’s cricket tournaments of the year, all eyes are on Pakistan as they gear up to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025. Starting April 9, six teams—Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand—will clash for the final two spots at the ICC Women’s World Cup scheduled to be held later this year in India.

Adding depth and anticipation to the event is the voice of experience—former Pakistan captain Sana Mir. Having led Pakistan through three qualifiers in 2008, 2011, and 2017, Sana brings with her the wisdom of past battles and a sharp eye for modern-day dynamics. In a recent interview with Female Cricket, she laid out her predictions, key insights, and heartfelt optimism for this high-stakes tournament.

The Stakes: More Than Just a World Cup Entry

The 2025 Qualifier isn’t just another ICC event. It’s a culmination of years of growth in women’s cricket—especially for teams outside the traditional powerhouses. With only two World Cup berths up for grabs, every ball bowled and every run scored will carry massive weight.

Sana Mir is no stranger to such intense situations. Recalling her past experiences, she shared, “Qualifiers test a player’s character as much as their skill. You’re not just playing cricket—you’re representing years of struggle and dreams for your country. That’s what makes these matches special.”

West Indies: The Favorites with Firepower

Sana did not hesitate to highlight the West Indies as strong contenders. “They’ve done brilliantly over the last couple of years, especially under Hayley Matthews,” she remarked. Matthews, who has seamlessly grown into a formidable all-rounder and leader, has brought much-needed stability to the Windies’ squad.

West Indies have shown consistency in international cricket and seem to be peaking at the right time. Their explosive style, ability to turn games around, and strong team culture make them a feared opponent.

“But,” Sana warned, “this format allows very little room for complacency. One bad day can throw a top team off course.”

Pakistan: Home Advantage and the Rise of New Leadership

For the host nation, expectations are understandably high. Playing on home soil, Pakistan will benefit from crowd support and familiarity with conditions—two crucial factors in pressure situations.

Leading the squad will be young pace all-rounder Fatima Sana, a player many see as the future of Pakistan women’s cricket. Sana Mir spoke highly of the team, especially highlighting the experienced trio of Sidra Ameen, Muneeba Ali, and Aliya Riaz as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting unit.

“Sidra gives you solidity at the top, Muneeba brings international exposure, and Aliya is a game-changer in the middle overs. With Fatima leading and Diana Baig back in rhythm, Pakistan has a strong core,” she said.

Yet, for all their strengths, the team must navigate the mental burden of playing under high expectations. “The challenge is handling pressure. That’s where leadership and self-belief come into play,” added Mir.

Thailand: The Quiet Disruptors

Thailand’s rise in women’s cricket has been one of the most inspirational stories in recent memory. From being virtual unknowns to now being considered serious competitors, their journey is a testament to hard work and smart investments in grassroots development.

“You can never write Thailand off,” Sana stated emphatically. “Their discipline and work ethic stand out. What they lack in firepower, they make up with team cohesion and adaptability.”

Thailand’s methodical approach and relentless energy could prove to be the X-factor in this qualifier.

Bangladesh: Unpredictable but Dangerous

Another team that deserves close attention is Bangladesh. Known for their fighting spirit and the ability to pull off surprises, the Bangladeshi women have the tools to shake up the table. Players like Nigar Sultana, Salma Khatun, and Rumana Ahmed bring experience and flair.

However, inconsistency has often been their undoing. Sana believes their key to success lies in temperament. “Bangladesh can beat anyone on their day. But they need to stay consistent over multiple games. That’s where maturity will be tested.”

Ireland and Scotland: European Grit on Display

Ireland and Scotland may enter as underdogs, but both teams are steadily evolving. Ireland’s cricket structure has grown more robust, with players like Gaby Lewis, Laura Delany, and Orla Prendergast giving the team balance.

Scotland, too, are gaining momentum with an emphasis on fitness and tactical depth. “Both these teams are improving with every tournament. They bring unpredictability to the mix,” said Sana. “They’ve been knocking on the door for some time—now it’s about turning promise into results.”

The Format: A Mental and Physical Test

With just 15 matches to determine the two qualifiers, the margin for error is minimal. Teams won’t have the luxury of a slow start. Momentum and early wins will be vital.

Sana emphasized, “These qualifiers are brutal. You need a good start, a settled XI, and the ability to adapt quickly. There’s no room for prolonged experimentation.”

Key aspects she believes will decide the tournament:

Experience under pressure: Veterans will be crucial in tense moments.
Leadership: Skippers who can think tactically and keep morale high will stand out.
Depth in bowling: Teams that can defend low totals or apply pressure consistently with the ball will have the edge.
Middle-order stability: Chasing or setting a target, the middle overs will be critical in dictating momentum.

Women’s Cricket on the Rise: A Global Shift

More than just a competition, this qualifier showcases the rapidly evolving global landscape of women’s cricket. From Thailand’s emergence to Ireland’s resurgence and Pakistan’s investment in young talent, the depth of competition is growing—and that’s a great sign for the sport.

Sana, who retired in 2020 as one of Pakistan’s most respected figures, is thrilled to see this evolution. “This is the most balanced qualifier I’ve seen. The sport has grown so much. It’s no longer about just 3-4 teams dominating. The gap is narrowing, and that’s exciting.”

She added, “Every game will be a story. Every performance will matter. For many players, this will be career-defining.”

Final Word: A Tournament of Dreams

As the world gears up for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Whether it’s the experienced campaigners like West Indies, the hopefuls in Thailand, or the hosts in Pakistan, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In Sana Mir’s words: “This isn’t just about qualifying—it’s about believing. Believing that you belong on the world stage. And for the fans, it’s about witnessing a new chapter in the story of women’s cricket.”

So, buckle up for a tournament that promises thrills, surprises, heartbreaks, and heroes. Because this April, in Pakistan, cricket won’t just be played—it will be etched into history.

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