Pakistan, South Africa to play bilateral T20I series before Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan and South Africa will play a bilateral T20I series before the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in Multan. The three-match series will be the dress rehearsal before the mega Women's ICC event.

Pakistan have never won the T20 World Cup. They have named their squad for the event and will be led by Fatima Sana. She has previously led the side in international cricket.

The ICC shifted the tournament out of Bangladesh to the UAE following the social and political turmoil in the country. The matches will be played in Dubai and Sharjah with the final on October 20 in Dubai. The first semi-final will be played in Dubai on October 17 followed by the second semi-final on October 18 in Sharjah.

The Women's T20 World Cup starts on October 3 before that South Africa and Pakistan play the matches on September 16, 18, and 20. After the series, South Africa will head to the UAE on 21 September, followed by Pakistan on 23 September.

The Women In Green begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 3 followed by their match against India on October 6. Sri Lanka defeated India in the last Asia Cup meeting between the two sides. South Africa, on the other hand, will start their campaign against the West Indies in Dubai. The Proteas women were the finalists of the last T20 World Cup. They lost to Australia by 23 runs who won their sixth title last year.

Pakistan further confirmed that the squad announced for the T20 World Cup will play the T20I series against South Africa as well. Only three countries have won the T20 World Cup, Australia have won the tournament six times, while England and West Indies have won once each.

Pakistan, South Africa to play bilateral T20I: Full series Schedule

1st T20I - September 16
2nd T20I - September 18
3rd T20I - September 20
All matches to be played in Multan

Also Read: England squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 announced, Heather Knight to lead

Sides like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand have never won the tournament. Sri Lanka were the winners of the previous Asia Cup edition and under Chamari Athapaththu will be a force to reckon with in the tournament. Pakistan are in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa are in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and West Indies.

"This T20I series against Pakistan is a critical part of our preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup," CSA director of cricket said. "It offers the team the invaluable opportunity to gain match practice, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure that our players are in peak form," Enoch Nkwe said.

Nkwe further acknowledged PCB's efforts to agree to the bilateral series saying that matches like these give an ideal platform to their players to showcase their skill and potential.

"We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their collaboration and efforts in arranging this series," Nkwe said. "This series not only helps us prepare for the World Cup but also strengthens the relationship between our two cricket boards as the Proteas Women visit Pakistan for the second time in a year. It's a testament to the shared commitment we have toward growing the women's game.

"Moreover, by playing more international matches, we're providing our players with the platform to showcase their talent and inspire the next generation of cricketers. We look forward to a competitive series that will benefit both teams and further elevate women's cricket on the world stage," Nkwe concluded saying.

Also Read: The Evolution and Impact of the Women's Cricket World Cup