After a heartbreaking loss that saw Pakistan let a golden chance slip through their fingers, wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz has openly admitted the team’s biggest challenge: a persistent inability to build batting momentum. “We aren’t able to create the momentum in our batting, we are trying to figure out how to solve that,” Nawaz told reporters, her words echoing the frustration felt by fans and players alike.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse: A Recurring Nightmare
The latest setback came during a crucial match where Pakistan appeared poised for victory—only to crumble under pressure in the final overs. Despite promising starts from top-order batters, the middle and lower order failed to capitalize, leaving the team well short of a competitive total.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past year, Pakistan’s women’s side has repeatedly struggled to convert strong positions into wins. Analysts point to a fragile middle order, inconsistent shot selection, and a lack of finishers as key issues.
“We Need Energy Till the Last Ball”
Nawaz’s plea for sustained energy throughout the innings highlights a deeper tactical and mental gap. “We need energy till the last ball,” she emphasized—a statement that speaks volumes about the team’s fading intensity as matches progress.
Compare this to their regional rivals like India and Bangladesh, who have invested heavily in power-hitting training and situational awareness drills. Pakistan, meanwhile, appears stuck in a cycle of early promise followed by late-game fade-outs.
Breaking Down the Numbers
A look at recent performances reveals a troubling pattern:
| Match | Pakistan Score | Top Scorer | Run Rate (Last 10 Overs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Sri Lanka (Oct 2025) | 187/8 | 42 (Opener) | 5.2 |
| vs West Indies (Sept 2025) | 165/9 | 38 (No. 3) | 4.8 |
| vs Australia (Aug 2025) | 152 all out | 31 (Opener) | 4.1 |
The data shows a consistent drop in scoring rate during the death overs—often below 5 runs per over in T20Is, where 8+ is now the norm among top teams.
What’s Missing? Coaching, Confidence, or Clarity?
Former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir, now a respected commentator, recently noted that the team lacks a clear batting identity. “Are they playing for survival or for victory?” she asked on a podcast. “There’s hesitation in their strokeplay, especially under scoreboard pressure.”
Coaching staff have reportedly introduced new net sessions focused on finishing scenarios, but results haven’t materialized yet. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers looming, time is running out.
Player Voices: A Team Searching for Answers
Besides Nawaz, other players have hinted at internal uncertainty. “We practice well, but when it’s match day, something changes,” said a young batter off the record. “Maybe it’s belief. Maybe it’s fear of failure.”
That psychological barrier may be the toughest to break.
The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s next fixtures include a tri-series in Dubai and a bilateral against New Zealand—both critical opportunities to test new strategies. If they fail to address their momentum issues, another cycle of near-misses could derail their World Cup hopes.
For now, Sidra Nawaz’s candid admission is both a warning and a call to action. The talent is there. The will seems present. But without consistent execution—especially in high-stakes moments—golden chances will keep turning to dust.