Pakistani fast bowler Fatima Sana has been named the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Emerging Woman Cricketer of the Year award for 2021.
The award is the first ICC honor won by a Pakistani female cricketer, a major achievement for the young star.
The ICC said in a statement that the 20-year-old "impressed everyone with his all-round efforts in 2021".
His figures for the year include 24 wickets at 23.95 and 165 runs at 16.50 in 16 international matches.
"She has become an integral part of Pakistan's ODI and T20I squad due to her ability to take wickets as a bowler and add easy runs down the order at the same time," the statement said.
A new star is born 🌟
— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2022
Fatima Sana ruled the roost in 2021 💪
More 👉 https://t.co/dO50jovOP2 pic.twitter.com/8fjFcxmFeG
The ICC noted that apart from playing at home, Sana toured Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and "made impressive performances everywhere".
"In fact, 18 of his 24 wickets in the year came in the 11 matches he played against the West Indies. Sana showed a lot of heart against the West Indies attackers and was able to keep them at bay."
The Cricket Authority said that Sana "has shown good power and range as a lower-order batsman as well". Batting at number 8, he scored impressive scores of 28*, 22* and 17* (*=not out) against strong teams like West Indies, South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively.
memorable performance
Sana's "most memorable performance" was seen against the West Indies in July as he claimed his first five-wicket haul in ODIs and led Pakistan to a 22-run victory (D/L method), taking the ICC to power. He played an aggressive innings of 28 *. said.
"Pakistan had already lost in this ODI series, but this win served as a huge confidence booster for the team and young Sana. With the bat, Sana added significant runs in the slog overs. As a bowler, he Claimed big wickets of Deandra Dottin and Brittany Cooper with the new ball and then came back on death to clear the tail, thus registering bowling figures of 5/39," the ICC said.
PCB congratulates the player
Congratulating Sana on winning the award, the Pakistan Cricket Board said, 'We are proud of you Fatima!
PCB congratulates Fatima Sana on winning ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2021 pic.twitter.com/5toPsz8sp3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 23, 2022