A momentous occasion awaits cricket enthusiasts as Nida Dar takes charge of the Pakistan women’s cricket team as its captain, leading the side against South Africa women’s team in the first match of the thrilling three-match T20I series. The series is set to kick off tomorrow at the iconic National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Nida Dar, a versatile all-rounder, was appointed as the full-time captain in April this year after Bismah Maroof stepped down from her captaincy following Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa earlier in February.
The upcoming T20I series will mark the beginning of an exciting cricketing spectacle. Following the T20Is on September 1, 3, and 4, the two teams will transition into the One Day International (ODI) format, scheduled from September 8 to 14. These ODIs hold particular significance as they are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
The matches will be readily accessible to fans across Pakistan, with all six encounters set to be broadcast live on PTV Sports/PTV National. Additionally, for local enthusiasts, the matches will be live-streamed on ARY ZAP. The T20Is are scheduled to commence at 7:30 pm, while the ODIs will kick off at 3:30 pm.
To draw fans to the stadium and create a vibrant atmosphere, the organizers have established affordable ticket prices for all six matches. The tickets were made available for purchase on Sunday, August 27, via the official website. Moreover, physical tickets will also be available at the stadium’s box office on match days.
The historic National Bank Stadium is set to host cricket enthusiasts from all walks of life, with VIP enclosures such as Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, and Javed Miandad open for spectators.
This season promises to be one of the most eventful for the Pakistan women’s cricket team, with a packed schedule featuring 15 ODIs, 17 T20Is, and participation in the 19th Asian Games scheduled from September 1, 2023, to May 29, 2024.
The South African women’s team, embarking on their inaugural tour to Pakistan, will be under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt. This appointment follows Suné Luus’s leadership during South Africa’s journey to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Both Wolvaardt and Luus have previously visited Pakistan, having participated in women’s exhibition matches in Rawalpindi in March earlier this year.
In terms of T20I rankings, Pakistan stands at the seventh position while South Africa holds the fifth position. The head-to-head records show a total of 18 T20Is played between Pakistan and South Africa, including three matches in ICC events. Out of the 15 T20Is in bilateral series, South Africa has secured victory in eight encounters, whereas Pakistan has emerged triumphant in seven. In their most recent encounter in 2021, Pakistan secured victory by eight runs on DLS method in Durban.
Speaking on the eve of the series, Nida Dar expressed her honor in leading the Pakistan team as the full-time captain and her excitement about the historic venue and competitive cricket. Laura Wolvaardt shared her enthusiasm about being in Pakistan again, highlighted the competitive nature of the series, and encouraged fans to support the games.
The series promises exhilarating cricketing action as two talented teams battle it out on the field. Cricket enthusiasts from around the nation eagerly await the thrilling encounters that will unfold over the next few weeks.
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