Host Pakistan women will aim for a strong start to the season as they face South Africa women in the opening T20I match in Multan. This series is significant for both teams as Pakistan will be led by their new captain, Fatima Sana, who replaces veteran all-rounder Nida Dar. For South Africa, this series provides valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
In past encounters, South Africa has won 11 out of 21 matches, with Pakistan close behind with 10 victories, making this a well-matched contest.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan will rely on their top-order batters such as Muneeba Ali, Gul Feroza, and Sidra Amin to set a solid foundation, while all-rounders Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz will be key in the middle overs. Muneeba Ali has been in excellent form since September 2023, amassing 461 runs in 20 T20s at a strike rate of 106.71.
In bowling, the team will depend on their spin quartet led by Sadia Iqbal, who has claimed 26 wickets since September at an economy rate of 5.33. Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, and Nida Dar will support her in the spin department, while Aliya Riaz and skipper Fatima Sana will lead the pace attack.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Muneeba Ali (wk), Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Syeda Aroob Shah/Diana Baig.
South Africa Preview
South Africa introduces new faces like Seishu Naidu, Annerie Dercksen, and Mieke de Riddler. Batting will be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, supported by Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon. Wolvaardt has been in superb form, scoring 437 runs in 13 T20s since September at a strike rate of 127.30, including one century and three half-centuries.
Their bowling attack will feature Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, and pacer Nadine de Klerk, who has taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.50 since September 2023.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The weather will be clear with light winds, providing good conditions for cricket. The Multan Cricket Stadium offers a balanced wicket, with both batters and bowlers expected to have an even contest. This is the first women’s T20I at the venue.
Toss Prediction
Both teams will likely opt to bat first and put runs on the board to apply pressure on the opposition.
Fantasy XI Picks
Wicket Keeper(s)
Muneeba Ali
Batters
Laura Wolvaardt
Tazmin Brits
Anneke Bosch
All-Rounders
Nida Dar
Marizanne Kapp
Chloe Tryon
Bowlers
Sadia Iqbal
Nadine de Klerk
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
Vice-Captain: Muneeba Ali
Win Prediction
South Africa: 55%
Pakistan: 45%
South Africa has a slight edge due to their recent form and experienced players like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp. However, Pakistan’s strong spin attack and home advantage make them a formidable opponent. The match is expected to be competitive with a close contest.
