Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 percent of her match fee and handed one demerit point by the International Cricket Council for her on-field behaviour during the Women’s T20 Asia Cup clash against India in Dubai. The action came after Sana gave India opener Shafali Verma an aggressive send-off following her dismissal.
The incident took place during Pakistan’s defence of a very small total on September 5, 2026. The Fatima Sana – Shafali Verma incident quickly attracted attention as the Pakistan captain appeared to gesture towards the pavilion after completing the catch that dismissed the Indian opener.
What Happened Between Fatima Sana and Shafali Verma?
Sana opened the bowling for Pakistan after her team was bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs. On the final ball of the second over, she dismissed Shafali after taking a caught-and-bowled chance.
Immediately after completing the dismissal, Sana animatedly pointed towards the pavilion and signalled for Shafali to leave the field. The gesture was considered inappropriate under the ICC’s playing rules because it could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter.
Sana was charged with breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The article relates to using words, actions or gestures that can disparage a batter or provoke an aggressive response after a dismissal.
Fatima Sana Sanction Confirmed
The Fatima Sana sanction was classified as a Level 1 breach. She accepted the charge and the proposed punishment without requesting a formal hearing.
The punishment includes a fine worth 10 percent of her match fee and one demerit point. This takes Sana’s total number of demerit points to two during the 24 month period.
Her previous demerit point came after an incident during Pakistan’s match against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025. The latest disciplinary action therefore adds another point to her record.
Match referee Supriya Rani Das imposed the sanction, while Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy were the on field umpires during the match.
Sana Shines Despite Pakistan’s Heavy Defeat
While the incident put Sana under scrutiny, she was Pakistan’s best performer with the ball. Her team struggled badly with the bat and was dismissed for only 55, their lowest ever total in Women’s T20I cricket.
Indian spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets. Pakistan’s batters were unable to build partnerships as India took complete control of the contest.
Sana fought back with the ball, however, taking all three Indian wickets to fall. She finished with impressive figures of 3/17, dismissing Shafali, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
India eventually reached the target in only 8.4 overs and won the match by seven wickets. The victory also helped India move to the top of Group A.
Fatima Sana Latest News After Asia Cup Clash
The latest Fatima Sana latest news has therefore focused on both her disciplinary action and her performance in the match. While her send off towards Shafali resulted in an official sanction, her three wicket spell showed her importance to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Sana will now look to move past the incident as Pakistan continue their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign. The captain will be expected to lead from the front while ensuring that her aggressive approach remains within the limits of the ICC Code of Conduct.
