Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:55 am GMT
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan and South Africa are set to kick off their preparations with a three-match T20 International series starting September 16, 2024, at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This event marks a historic first for the picturesque venue, bringing heightened anticipation for cricket fans.
Series Overview
The T20 International series features the Pakistan Women’s team, captained by Fatima Sana, facing off against South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt. The matches will take place on September 16, 18, and 20, with the first two starting at 7:00 PM PST, while the third is scheduled for 10:00 AM PST. This series aims to serve as valuable practice for both teams ahead of the World Cup, allowing them to refine their strategies and player combinations.
- Match Schedule:
– 1st T20I: September 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM PST
– 2nd T20I: September 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM PST
– 3rd T20I: September 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM PST
The Multan Cricket Stadium has previously hosted multiple One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches, making it a suitable venue for such a significant series. The local support promises to be robust, especially as the matches will be open to spectators free of charge.
Teams and Players to Watch
Both teams are gearing up to showcase their talent, and several players are expected to take center stage:
- Pakistan Women’s Key Players:
– Fatima Sana (Captain): An influential leader and crucial all-rounder.
– Muneeba Ali: A skilled wicketkeeper-batter known for her quick reflexes.
– Nida Dar: The team’s captain for various formats, bringing experience and strategic depth.
- South Africa Women’s Key Players:
– Laura Wolvaardt (Captain): The leading run-scorer for South Africa in T20Is this year.
– Marizanne Kapp: A standout all-rounder known for her exceptional leadership skills.
Both teams are looking to capitalize on this series for momentum going into the World Cup, with Pakistan eager to build on their previous success against South Africa, where they secured a clean sweep in their last T20I series in Karachi.
Broadcast and Viewing Options
Fans in Pakistan can catch all the action live on A Sports, which will cover the matches in high definition. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will livestream the games on their official YouTube channel, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts do not miss out on any of the excitement.
To attend the matches, spectators need to present their original ID cards for entry, making the event accessible to a wide audience.
Preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
This series serves as a critical opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses before participating in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in October 2024 in the UAE.
- Pakistan’s Campaign in the World Cup:
– Group A opponents: Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
– First match against Sri Lanka on October 3, followed by matches against India, Australia, and New Zealand.
- South Africa’s Campaign:
– Group B opponents: Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and the West Indies.
Fatima Sana emphasized the importance of this series in preparing for the World Cup, stating, “Playing against South Africa will help us assess our game under pressure situations.”
Injury Updates and Team Changes
As with any sporting event, team dynamics can change due to injuries. However, both squads have announced full-strength rosters for the series.
Pakistan Squad:
- Players: Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), among others.
South Africa Squad:
- Players: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Sinalo Jafta (wk), Anneke Bosch, and others.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as players vie for performance ahead of the World Cup.
Pitch Conditions and Expectations
The conditions at the Multan Cricket Stadium traditionally favor pacers, with about 70% of matches historically leaning towards pace bowling. However, spinning options can also play a crucial role, especially in the latter stages of a game.
- Average Scores on the Pitch:
– Batting: 55% favorable for scoring
– Bowling: 45% advantageous for bowlers
The series promises thrilling contests and may help both teams fine-tune their strategies in preparation for not just the World Cup but for ongoing international competitions in women’s cricket.
This three-match series is an exciting time for both players and fans. It looks like it’s going to be a fun cricket season!
