Nida Dar has become the first Pakistani player - male or female - to take 100 T20I wickets. The 34-year-old reached this milestone when she got West Indies opener Diandra Dottin caught by Diana Baig in the first match of the T20I series at North Sound. She took another wicket on Wednesday - that of Stephanie Taylor - to take her to 101. Only Anissa Mohammed, Ellyse Perry, Shabneem Ismail and Anya Shrubsole have taken more wickets than Dar in Women's T20Is.
After the game, Dar said, "There was certainly a lot of hard work behind this milestone, which Pakistan lost by 10 runs. I always had in my mind to complete 100 wickets as soon as possible. I had got a chance in the last series but unfortunately couldn't. But this time made sure I try my best in this series against West Indies and I am feeling great to have it in the first game. Sadly, the game didn't end in our favor and it could have been a lot better if we had won the game. Anyway, next time I will try to win the game with my performance."
Among all Pakistan players, Shahid Afridi is the second highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket with 97 strikes. Among Pakistan women, Sana Mir (89) is the second highest wicket-taker after Dar, followed by Sadia Yusuf (57) in third place. Dar's career-best 5 for 21 was against Malaysia in the 2018 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur. The PCB lauded Dar's latest achievement, calling her an "inspiration" for the next generation of women's players.
PCB CEO Wasim Khan said, "This is no small feat and is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Nida has put in over the years." "Over the past decade, Nida has become an integral part of the national women's team and an inspiration to the next generation of women cricketers.
“It is a great moment not only for her but for the entire nation as she is also the first Asian woman bowler to record this historic record. Nida is an icon and an inspiration to millions of young girls who are passionate about cricket In the day and age in which women's cricket is flourishing and its fan base is increasing day by day, role models like her take the women's game to every nook and corner of the earth. I'll do well."
Dar was also in the first T20I, returning 2 for 15, as Pakistan Women restricted West Indies Women to 136 for 6 when the hosts posted 65 for 0. However, despite being late, the Pakistan batsmen could not overhaul the target. Ayesha Naseem and Fatima Sana attack.
"Conditions were windy and rain also interfered, but the pitch was supportive overall," said Dar. "It had everything for the bowlers and the batsmen, so whoever comes in strong can score runs and take wickets. As a bowling unit we started well and bowled well in pieces and pieces. Me Looks like 136 was a chaseable target and the batsmen need to show more responsibility and that's the key. We had a good outing with the ball and took good catches in the field."