Pakistan, South Africa women to kick of three-match T20I in Multan on Monday

Pakistan women’s team under the leadership of Fatima Sana are all set to take on Laura Wolvaardt led South Africa in the three-match Bank Alfalah T20I series commencing at the Multan Cricket Stadium from Monday.

The second and third T20Is will be played at the same venue on 18 and 20 September, respectively. The first ball of the first and second T20Is will be bowled at 1900 PST, while the third T20I will begin at 10.00am.

This will mark the first time that the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium hosts a T20I 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. 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.

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 from 1 to 4 September.

To encourage fans to come to the ground, entrance to the stadium will be free. The spectators will be required to bring their original ID card to get inside the stadium.

Also, fans in Pakistan will be able to watch the matches in high definition on A Sports. Livestreaming for viewers across the Pakistan region will be available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel.

After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on 21 September, while Pakistan will leave on 23 September. 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 28 and 30 September, respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 3 October in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on 6 October in Dubai, Australia on 11 October in Dubai and New Zealand on 14 October in Dubai.

Fatima Sana talking to PCB Digital ahead of the T20I series said: “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. 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.”

18-member squad for the 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.

Player support personnel:

Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling), Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Imran Khalil (strength and conditioning coach), Farhan Nawaz (media and digital manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist) and Waleed Ahmed (analyst).

Schedule of matches:

16 Sep – 1st T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)

18 Sep – 2nd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)

20 Sep – 3rd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (10am start)