South Africa to play three T20Is in Pakistan to prepare for T20 World Cup

South Africa will play three T20Is in Pakistan as part of the crucial preparations for both teams ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup, which begins on October 3 in the UAE. Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa will play all three T20Is at the Multan Cricket Stadium on September 16, 18 and 20 respectively. The first two matches will start at 7 pm local time, while the final match will start at 10 am.

CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said in a statement, “This T20 series against Pakistan is a vital part of our preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. It provides the team with an invaluable opportunity to gain match practice, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure that our players are in peak form.”

He added, “We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their cooperation and efforts in arranging this series. 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 will be touring Pakistan for the second time in a year. It is a testament to our shared commitment towards advancing the women's game.”

In addition, by playing more international matches, we are providing our players with the platform to showcase their talents 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.”

Announcing the squad, PCB said the same team announced for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup to feature in the three-match series against South Africa in what will be the first assignment for the newly appointed captain Fatima Sana.

Najiha Alvi (wicketkeeper, traveling reserve), Rameen Shamim, and Umm-e-Hani (both non-traveling reserves) will be part of the pre-series training camp and the series against South Africa in Multan. Only Naziha will travel to the UAE with the World Cup-bound squad, the PCB said.

PCB also declared that the training camp of Pakistan for the T20 World Cup which starts on September 1 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. After the series is over on Sept 20, South Africa will leave for the UAE on Sept 21, while Pakistan will leave on Sept 23.

Pakistan has been placed in the same group as Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka in Group A of the T20 World Cup, while South Africa has been tasked in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and West Indies. The semi-finals are scheduled that will, in turn, be held on October 17 and 18 ahead of the final at the Dubai International Stadium on October 20.