Lahore: Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE, the Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams are scheduled to compete in a three-match T20I series at Multan Cricket Stadium. This series aims to provide both teams with crucial match practice and exposure.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the South African team will arrive in Multan on September 13, with the matches slated for September 16, 18, and 20. The early matches will commence at 7 PM to facilitate live broadcast and greater visibility for women’s cricket, while the final match will start at 10 AM.

Following the conclusion of the series, the South African team will head to the UAE on September 21, with the Pakistan team departing two days later on September 23. The World Cup groups have Pakistan in Group A alongside heavyweights Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, whereas South Africa is positioned with Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and the West Indies.

Pakistan’s warm-up matches in the UAE include encounters against Scotland and Bangladesh on September 28 and 30, respectively. Their World Cup campaign officially begins on October 3 against Sri Lanka in Sharjah, followed by high-profile matches against India, Australia, and New Zealand in Dubai.

The PCB also confirmed that the squad selected for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will participate in the upcoming series against South Africa. The squad features Fatima Sana as captain, with notable players such as Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Muneeba Ali. Najiha Alvi, a traveling reserve wicket-keeper, and other reserves will join the pre-series training camp in Multan starting September 1.

The support personnel for the training camp and the World Cup includes Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), and several specialized coaches and staff focused on preparing the team for international competition.