With an eye on World Cup, Pakistan women face South Africa in ODI series opener

With an eye on solid preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan will look to execute their strategies when they take on a strong South African side in the opening match of a three-game ODI series at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore today.

The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM.

Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, stated that the team will aim to implement their preparations in the upcoming series, using it as a chance to fine-tune their strategy ahead of the World Cup.

“We will try to execute what preparation we have made in the past,” Fatima told a news conference.

‘Wickets in Sri Lanka during the World Cup will be similar to our wickets and we will try to do well here while heading into the global event,” Fatima was quick to add.

“The way we have prepared during the last few months we believe that we are well prepared for the World Cup and we will try to win the matches in a better way,” Fatima said.

Meanwhile South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt said that the series is too crucial while heading into the World Cup.

“It’s going to be super crucial for us as we are heading into the World Cup to be held in the sub-continent. It’s a massive opportunity getting used to the conditions how hot it is s we are coming from winter and we had last played five to six weeks ago as a group and we will try to get some momentum while going into the World Cup,” Laura told reporters at the news conference on Monday.

“Pakistan are a good side and have good spin attack and conditions also suit them well and we will try to play good cricket against them and will try to win the series,” Laura said.

Pakistan have undergone rigorous training over the past few weeks at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), focusing on key areas, also including building partnerships, an essential component of success in ODI cricket.

This series holds significance for both teams as they gear up for the global event. Lahore’s playing conditions are expected to be similar to those in India and Colombo, offering a valuable test environment.

The Green-shirts, under head coach Mohammad Wasim, will play their World Cup matches in Colombo. Batters Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz will be expected to shoulder the scoring responsibility against the visitors who boast a well-balanced bowling attack.

Pakistan also possesses a strong bowling unit. Spinners such as Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu will play a crucial role especially with the pitch likely to assist spin.

Captain Fatima Sana will lead the pace attack supported by the experienced Diana Baig.

South Africa, meanwhile, will rely heavily on their in-form opening duo, the captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who have been consistent performers since the 2022 World Cup.

The Proteas boast a depth of all-rounders led by the seasoned Marizanne Kapp. The 35-year-old will be supported by Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen and Anneke Bosch.

Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon bring a wealth of international experience while younger talents like Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen add energy and promise to the lineup. Notably de Klerk has been South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs since the last World Cup and Dercksen was named the ICC Women’s Emerging Player of the Year for 2024.

In head-to-head encounters, South Africa have dominated winning 21 of the 28 matches played. Pakistan have managed five wins while one match ended in a tie and another produced no result.

Both sides underwent training under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Monday night.

Before the pre-series press conference the series trophy was unveiled by both captains.

Pakistan Squad:

Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah.

South Africa Squad:

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.