The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a three-match home series against the South Africa women’s cricket team, scheduled to take place in Multan from September 16 to 20. This series serves as a vital preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in the UAE next month.
The three T20 internationals will be contested at the Multan Cricket Stadium, with the first two matches played under lights. A senior PCB official highlighted the significance of the series, stating, “The series will give an opportunity to both teams to get valuable exposure for the World Cup.” The South African team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on September 13 and will depart for the UAE on September 21 following the series. Pakistan will then follow on September 23.
Pakistan is placed in Group A of the Women’s T20 World Cup, where they will face Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, South Africa finds itself in Group B alongside Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and the West Indies. Both teams will participate in warm-up fixtures before the tournament begins: Pakistan will play against Scotland and Bangladesh on September 28 and 30, respectively, while South Africa will have its own warm-up matches.
Pakistan’s journey in the World Cup will commence on October 3 in Sharjah with a match against Sri Lanka. They will then face India on October 6 in Dubai, followed by Australia on October 11 and New Zealand on October 14, also in Dubai. The full squad for Pakistan’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign includes: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan. The team is led by head coach Muhammad Wasim and includes a comprehensive support staff comprising Hina Munawar (manager), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling), Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Imran Khalil (strength and conditioning coach), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), and Waleed Ahmed (analyst).
With both teams looking to fine-tune their preparations before the World Cup, the three-match series in Multan promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans.
