“Her leg-break delivery to bowl Ireland captain Laura Delany was voted by you"
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared a fantastic leg-break delivery by Pakistan’s Sana Mir a the ‘Play of Women’s World T20′ 2018.
The former Pakistan women’s cricket skipper bowled the peach of a delivery against Ireland on November 13, 2108.
In a classic delivery, Irish captain Laura Delany had no answer to a ball which hit outside leg, before sharply spinning and dislodging her off-stump.
What Sana Mir did right was to give the ball a bit of air and flight, inviting Delany to attack the ball. But with Laura not reading the traditional leg-spinner, did not get to the pitch of the ball.
The ICC did arrange a poll for the play of the tournament, following the conclusion of the ICC Women’s World T20. The 10-team event took place in the West Indies from November 09-24, 2018.
Pakistan had a disappointing World Cup campaign. But the best moment of the tournament going to the All-rounder is a good second prize.
The other key point is that Pakistan’s sole victory came in this very match where Mir bamboozled the Ireland skipper.
Pakistan beat Ireland by 38 runs in the fifth game of Group B, as Sana ended with bowling figures of 2-20 in four overs.
After fans voted in favour of the 32-year-old, the ICC announced that Mir was the successful winner and champion for the play of the tournament.
The world’s cricket governing body put out a congratulatory message on Twitter, reading:
“Congratulations to @mir_sana05!
“Her leg-break delivery to bowl Ireland captain Laura Delany was voted by you as the #WT20 @Nissan Play of the Tournament! What a ball! #WatchThis.”
Congratulations to @mir_sana05!
Her leg-break delivery to bowl Ireland captain Laura Delany was voted by you as the #WT20 @Nissan Play of the Tournament! ??
What a ball! ? #WatchThis pic.twitter.com/8RGCJ96gRE
— ICC (@ICC) December 11, 2018
The Lahore based player also went on Twitter, thanking her supporters and loved ones for backing her and women’s cricket.
In addition, she did acknowledge the ICC for the recognition and chance. She wrote:
“Special thanks to all the fans, friends, family and supporters for your valuable votes. Feels awesome to be featured with amazing women cricketers of my time.”
“Great encouragement and opportunity provided by @ICC.#Wemovecricketforward.”
Alhamdolillah !
Special thanks to all the fans, friends, family and supporters for your valuable votes. Feels awesome to be featured with amazing women cricketers of my time.
Great encouragement and opportunity provided by @ICC.#Wemovecricketforward https://t.co/37LDLwyeO4
— Sana Mir ???? ??? (@mir_sana05) December 11, 2018
Congratulating Sana, Delany also put out a tweet saying: “Congrats @mir_sana05 not a bad ball.”
Recognising Laura’s sportsmanship Mir replied, posting: “Thanks Delany. You are a great sport.”
Fans and cricket experts also responded to the tweet, with positive vibes for Sana.
Mir who has been a great ambassador for Pakistan women’s cricket was also praised by sports reporter Faizan Lakhani. He tweeted:
“Congratulations Sana! You deserved this award. And, you deserve more recognition at home for your services towards promotion of Pak women cricket. Keep rocking!”
Congratulations Sana! You deserved this award. And, you deserve more recognition at home for your services towards promotion of Pak women cricket. Keep rocking!
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) December 11, 2018
While everyone was celebrating Sana’s award, there was some tragic news for women’s cricket in Pakistan.
Former Pakistani women’s cricketer Sharmeen Khan passed away at the age of 46 in Lahore on December 13, 2018.
According to sister Shazia Khan, Sharmeen left this world after suffering a bout of pneumonia. Only two days before her unexpected death, Sharmeen had come back from a trip to England.
Sharmeen was a pioneer for women’s cricket in Pakistan. Sharmeen and Shazia played a big part in the promotion and development of the women’s game, often putting their necks on the line.
Tributes for the Karachi born cricketer have poured in after her sudden demise.
Meanwhile, besides receiving the Word T20 accolade, 2018 had been a brilliant year for Mir.
In October 2018, she became the first cricketer from Pakistan to secure number one position under the ICC Women’s One Day International (ODI) rankings.
And it seems Sana will hold onto her top position for the remainder of 2018. Sana is also the 5th best ODI All-rounder in the world as per the ICC rankings.
Playing in more than 115 ODI games, Mir has over 135 wickets at a healthy bowling average.
Ever since relinquishing the captaincy, Sana has been going from strength to strength. She is not just a great player, but a very patriotic role model, promoting women empowerment and breaking barriers.
Despite being at the back end of the career, Sana Mir has a lot more cricket left in her.
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