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- The three matches provide an opportunity for both sides to gear up for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in UAE
- South Africa, who were runners-up in the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, are touring Pakistan for the second time in as many years
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women under the leadership of Fatima Sana are set to take on Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa in the three-match T20 series commencing at the Multan Cricket Stadium from Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday, adding that this would be the first T20 international series in the city.
The second and third T20Is will be played at the same venue on 18 and 20 September, respectively. The first and second matches will start at 7pm Pakistan time, while the third will begin at 10am.
This will mark the first time that the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium will host a T20 and a women’s international series. Previously, the stadium has hosted 11 ODIs and six Test matches.
“The three matches provide an opportunity for both sides to gear up for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in the UAE,” the PCB said in a statement.
South Africa, who were runners-up in the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa, are touring Pakistan for the second time in as many years.
“The players have been working hard in training, and the series against South Africa is a great opportunity for us to prepare ourselves well before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled next month. South Africa are a strong side and playing against them will help us assess our game under pressure situations,” Sana said ahead of the T20I series.
“We are excited to play at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium, especially as the stadium is hosting its first-ever international women’s T20I series. The support from the fans in Pakistan is always incredible and with free entry to the stadium, it is a great opportunity for people to come and cheer for both sides.”
During their last visit, South Africa played a white-ball series, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25). Pakistan whitewashed South Africa in the three-match T20I series held in Karachi on September 1-4.
To encourage fans to come to the ground, entrance to the stadium will be free, according to the PCB. The spectators will be required to bring their original identity cards to get inside the stadium.
After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on September 21, while Pakistan will leave on September 23. Pakistan are in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa are grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.
Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on September 28 and 30 respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on October 3 in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on October 6 in Dubai, Australia on October 11 in Dubai and New Zealand on October 14 in Dubai.
18-member Pakistan squad for series:
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani