The Pakistan women’s cricket team, led by Fatima Sana, is set to face South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, in the Bank Alfalah T20I series, starting at Multan Cricket Stadium on 16 September. This three-match series marks a historic moment as it is the first-ever T20I series, as well as the first international women’s series, to be played at this iconic venue. Multan Cricket Stadium has previously hosted 11 ODIs and six Test matches, but this event adds a new chapter to its rich history.
The matches will not only be a battle between two competitive sides but will also serve as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. The series opens on 16 September, with the second and third matches taking place on 18 and 20 September, respectively. The first two games will start at 7:00 PM PST, while the third will have a morning start at 10:00 AM PST.
For South Africa, this tour marks their second visit to Pakistan in as many years. Last year, they played a white-ball series featuring T20Is and ODIs as part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. Pakistan dominated that T20I series, sweeping it 3-0 in Karachi. As they now meet again, Pakistan will look to build on that success, while South Africa, the runners-up in the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, will be eager to make a strong statement.
Spectators in Multan can watch the games live and for free by bringing their original ID card to the stadium. The matches will also be broadcast live in high definition on A Sports, with PCB’s official YouTube channel providing a livestream for fans across Pakistan.
Ahead of the series, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed the team’s excitement: “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.”
Both teams will use this series to fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming global event. Pakistan is placed in Group A of the World Cup alongside cricket powerhouses like Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. South Africa, on the other hand, is grouped with England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland.
The Pakistan squad for the series includes key players like Aliya Riaz, Nida Dar, and Muneeba Ali, alongside emerging talents such as Tuba Hassan and Sadaf Shamas. Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu, and Sidra Amin will provide crucial depth to the team, which will be guided by head coach Muhammad Wasim and his support staff.
The schedule of matches is as follows:
- 16 September – 1st T20I (7:00 PM PST)
- 18 September – 2nd T20I (7:00 PM PST)
- 20 September – 3rd T20I (10:00 AM PST)
Both teams will depart for the UAE shortly after the series, with South Africa leaving on 21 September and Pakistan on 23 September, as they gear up for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
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