Proteas Women set for T20 showdown with Pakistan ahead of World Cup

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a T20 International (T20I) series between the Proteas Women and Pakistan from 16- 0 September at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan, Pakistan.

The Proteas Women will arrive in the city located in Punjab on 13 September and are set to play three T20I matches, with the first two encounters scheduled under the lights at 7pm local time (14pm SAST) on 16 and 18 September.

The third and final match will take place on 20 September, starting at 10am local time (7am SAST).

Following the conclusion of the series, the South African side will depart for the United Arab Emirates on 21 September to continue their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

In the updated World Cup schedule, the Proteas Women have been drawn in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Scotland and Bangladesh.

The 2023 finalists will get their competition under way against the West Indies on Friday, 4 September before facing England (7 October), Scotland (9 October) and Bangladesh (12 October).

The semifinals have been scheduled for 17 and 18 October before the all-important final on Sunday, 20 October.

CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe commented: "This T20I series against Pakistan is a critical part of our preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. 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.

“We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their collaboration and efforts in arranging this series. 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."

Fixtures - Proteas Women’s Outbound T20I Series against Pakistan (16 - 20 September)

Monday, 16 September @ 16h00 SAST: 1st T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)

Wednesday, 18 September @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)

Friday, 20 September @ 07h00 SAST: 3rd T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)