Sana Mir, Pakistan’s first woman cricketer to be ranked world number one, has urged for improved sports infrastructure in the country so that more athletes can bring accolades home.
Mir, who captained Pakistan Women’s team for eight years, rose to the top of ICC ODI bowling rankings on Tuesday, after bowling performances of 3/26, 1/37 and 3/53 against Australia in the recent ICC Women’s Championship series in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Her bowling lifted her three spots in the rankings, as she surpassed Marizanne Kapp of South Africa, Australia’s Megan Schutt, and the out-of-action Jess Jonassen of Australia, to clinch the top rank.
Overjoyed at her latest achievement, the veteran all-rounder thanked her team, staff and fans for their love.
“I am very happy to be the first [woman] from Pakistan to be ranked number one. Thanks to Allah for giving me the courage to play for so many years. Thanks to my team, support staff, my coach, all my fans. Nobody can achieve anything alone,” the 32-year-old said in a video message.
The cricketer said she hopes for improved sports infrastructure in Pakistan for aspiring athletes so that they can make the country proud.
“I hope [for better] sports facilities in Pakistan so that it doesn’t take [newcomers] 10-12 years [to achieve],” she said, adding that there is no dearth of talent in the country.
She also tweeted about her delight at achieving the top ranking.
