Pakistan and South Africa will play a bilateral T20I series ahead of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Multan. The three-match series will be the dress rehearsal ahead of the ICC women’s mega event.
Pakistan have never won the T20 World Cup. They have already named their squad for the event and will be led by Fatima Sana, who has already led the team in international cricket.
The ICC has moved the tournament from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates following the social and political crisis in the country. The matches will be played in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final on 20 October in Dubai. The first semi-final will be played in Dubai on 17 October, followed by the second semi-final on 18 October in Sharjah.
The Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off on October 3 before South Africa and Pakistan play matches on September 16, 18 and 20. After the series, South Africa will head to the United Arab Emirates on September 21, followed by Pakistan on September 23.
The Women in Green begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 3, followed by their match against India on October 6. Sri Lanka defeated India in the last Asia Cup encounter between the two teams. South Africa, on the other hand, will begin their campaign against West Indies in Dubai. The Proteas women were the finalists of the last T20 World Cup. They lost to Australia by 23 runs, who won their sixth title last year.
Pakistan further confirmed that the squad announced for the T20 World Cup will also play the T20I series against South Africa. Only three countries have won the T20 World Cup: Australia has won the tournament six times, while England and West Indies have won once each.
Pakistan and South Africa to play bilateral T20I: Full schedule of the series
1st T20I – 16th September
2nd T20I – 18th September
3rd T20I – 20th September
All matches will be played in Multan
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Teams like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have never won the tournament. Sri Lanka were the winners of the previous edition of the Asia Cup and under Chamari Athapaththu they will be a force to reckon with in the tournament. Pakistan are in Group A along with Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka while South Africa are in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and West Indies.
“This T20I series against Pakistan is a vital part of our preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” said CSA Director of Cricket. “It offers the team an invaluable opportunity to gain match practice, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure our players are at their best,” said Enoch Nkwe.
Nkwe further acknowledged PCB’s efforts in agreeing to the bilateral series and said matches such as these provide an ideal platform for their players to showcase their skills and potential.
“We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their collaboration and efforts in hosting this series,” Nkwe said. “This series not only helps us prepare for the World Cup but also strengthens the relationship between our two cricket boards as the Proteas Women visit Pakistan for the second time in a year. It is a testament to the shared commitment we have to growing the women’s game.
“Also, by playing more international matches, we are giving our players a platform to showcase their talent and inspire the next generation of cricketers. We look forward to a competitive series that will benefit both teams and further elevate women’s cricket on the world stage,” concluded Nkwe.
Read also: The evolution and impact of the Women’s Cricket World Cup
