Multan:The picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium is set to host its first-ever T-20 international series as Pakistan and South Africa (SA) women’s teams clash in a three-match, Bank Alfalah T-20 series, starting from Sept 16.
This marks a significant moment in the stadium’s history, having previously hosted only ODIs and test matches. The Multan Cricket Stadium had hosted 11 ODIs and six test matches so far. The series will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup scheduled in the UAE next month.
Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, will be up against South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt. The second and third T-20s were scheduled for 18 and 20 September, with the first two games starting at 7:00 PM PST and the final match at 10:00 AM.
To encourage maximum fan participation, entrance to the stadium will be free, with spectators required to bring their original ID cards for access. Fans in Pakistan can also watch the matches live in HD on A Sports, while global audiences can f
ollow the action via the PCB’s official YouTube channel.
South Africa, runners-up of the last ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup, were visiting Pakistan for the second time in two years. During their last tour in September 2023, Pakistan whitewashed South Africa with 3-0 in a T-20 series held in Karachi. This time, South Africa will be looking for redemption ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana expressed her excitement about playing in Multan: “The series against South Africa will be a great test for us ahead of the World Cup, she added.
She maintained that 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 T-20 World Cup scheduled next month. South Africa was 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 w
omen’s T-20 series. The support from the fans in Pakistan is always incredible and with free entry to the stadium, it was a great opportunity for people to come and cheer for both sides.’ Fatima added.
After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on 21 September, while Pakistan will leave on 23 September. Pakistan were in Group A of the ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa were grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.
Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on 28 and 30 September, respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 3 October in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on 6 October in Dubai, Australia on 11 October in Dubai and New Zealand on 14 October in Dubai.