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Pakistan and South Africa are gearing up to face each other in a three-match T20I series, serving as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. All three matches will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium on September 16, 18 and 20, providing both sides with valuable match practice before they shift focus to the global tournament starting on October 3.
Schedule and venue details
The series will begin with the first two matches scheduled for the evening, while the final T20I on September 20 will be played as a day game. This series will mark an important final opportunity for the Proteas before they depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 21 to continue preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa’s first match of the tournament is set for October 4 against the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
South Africa’s squad and rising star
The Proteas have announced their squad, which sees the inclusion of 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, who received her maiden international call-up following standout performances at the U19 level. The squad also boasts a wealth of experience, with key players like Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp providing leadership and stability. In Women’s T20Is, South Africa and Pakistan have faced each other 21 times since their first meeting in 2010. The head-to-head record is tight, with South Africa leading narrowly at 11-10.
Also READ: South Africa announces squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Laura Wolvaardt to lead
South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan:
1. Laura Wolvaardt (C) – Opening Batter
As captain and one of South Africa’s premier batters, Laura Wolvaardt will play a crucial role at the top of the order. Her ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required is vital in the T20 format. Her leadership on the field, combined with her consistent scoring ability, makes her the linchpin of the team.
2. Tazmin Brits – Opening Batter
Tazmin Brits, an aggressive opening batter, complements Wolvaardt’s controlled style. Brits has a powerful range of strokes and can set the tone early in the innings with her attacking play. In subcontinent conditions, her ability to adapt to spin and pace will be a key factor.
3. Anneke Bosch – Top-Order Batter/All-rounder
Anneke Bosch provides flexibility with both bat and ball. Her role as a top-order batter, combined with her handy medium pace, adds balance to the side. She can step up during the middle overs, rotating strike, and accelerating when necessary.
4. Sune Luus – All-rounder
Sune Luus brings all-round capabilities and valuable experience to the middle order. Her leg-spin bowling will be crucial in Pakistani conditions that tend to assist spinners, while her batting provides stability during the middle overs.
5. Chloe Tryon – Middle-Order Power-Hitter
Chloe Tryon is South Africa’s explosive finisher. Her powerful hitting in the death overs can change the course of the game, and her ability to clear the boundary regularly makes her a key player. Additionally, her left-arm spin adds depth to the bowling attack.
6. Marizanne Kapp – Fast Bowling All-rounder
Marizanne Kapp is South Africa’s premier all-rounder, with world-class abilities in both batting and bowling. Her role as a middle-order batter who can build partnerships and her sharp bowling, especially with the new ball, make her a vital asset in any match.
7. Nadine de Klerk – Seam-Bowling All-rounder
Nadine de Klerk provides another seam-bowling option and is a useful lower-order batter. Her ability to swing the ball and contain runs during the middle overs adds depth to the bowling attack, while her aggressive batting adds to South Africa’s lower-order resilience.
8. Sinalo Jafta – Wicketkeeper
Sinalo Jafta will be tasked with keeping wickets. Her agility behind the stumps, particularly when facing spin, will be crucial in conditions that favor slower bowlers. Her experience with glovework is an important asset to support the bowlers.
9. Ayabonga Khaka – Fast Bowler
Ayabonga Khaka is an experienced fast bowler who will lead South Africa’s pace attack. Known for her accuracy and ability to bowl in crucial phases of the game, Khaka’s expertise in both the powerplay and death overs will be vital for South Africa.
10. Nonkululeko Mlaba – Left-Arm Spinner
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s left-arm orthodox spin will be a key weapon in Pakistani conditions, which often favor spin bowlers. Her ability to tie down batters and take wickets in the middle overs will add control and balance to the bowling attack.
11. Tumi Sekhukhune – Fast Bowler
Tumi Sekhukhune provides another pace option for the South African team. Her ability to bowl tight lines and vary her pace makes her an effective bowler, particularly in the middle overs and when controlling the flow of runs is essential.
