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 a dress rehearsal ahead of the mega Women’s ICC event.
Pakistan has never won the T20 World Cup. They have decided their team for the event and they will be led by Fatima Sana. He has previously led the side in international cricket.
The ICC moved the tournament from Bangladesh to the UAE following social and political turmoil in the country. The matches will be held in Dubai and Sharjah, and the final will be held in Dubai on October 20. The first semi-final will be held on October 17 in Dubai and the second semi-final on October 18 in Sharjah.
The Women’s T20 World Cup begins on October 3, before South Africa and Pakistan face each other on September 16, 18 and 20. After the series, South Africa will travel to the UAE on September 21, followed by Pakistan on September 23.
The Women in Green will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 3, followed by India on October 6. Sri Lanka defeated India in the Asia Cup encounter between the two sides. And South Africa will begin their campaign against the West Indies in Dubai. The Proteas women were finalists in the last T20 World Cup. They lost by 23 runs to Australia, who won their sixth title last year.
Pakistan further confirmed that the announced squad for the T20 World Cup will also play the T20I series against South Africa. Only three countries have won the T20 World Cup, Australia six times and England and West Indies once each.
Pakistan vs South Africa to play bilateral T20I: Complete series schedule
1st T20I – 16 September
2nd T20I – 18 September
3rd T20I – 20 September
All matches will be played in Multan
Also read: England squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 announced, Heather Knight to lead
The likes of India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have never won the tournament. Sri Lanka have won the previous Asia Cup and will be a force to reckon with in the tournament under Chamari Athapaththu. Pakistan is in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.
“This T20I series against Pakistan is an important part of our preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” said CSA director of cricket. “This provides the team with an invaluable opportunity to gain match experience, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure our players are in top form,” said Enoch Nkwe.
Nkwe further acknowledged the PCB’s efforts to agree to the bilateral series, saying matches like these provide an ideal platform for their players to showcase their skills and potential.
“We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their cooperation and efforts in organizing 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 our shared commitment to developing the women’s game.
“Furthermore, by playing more international matches, we provide a platform for our players to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation of cricketers. We look forward to a competitive series that will benefit both teams and elevate women’s cricket to the next level,” concluded Nkwe.
Also read: The Evolution and Impact of the Women’s Cricket World Cup
