South African women’s cricket team arrives in Lahore for ODI series

LAHORE: The South African women’s cricket team has arrived in Lahore under tight security ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.

Upon arrival, the team was escorted to a local hotel where strict security measures were observed to ensure their safety during their stay.

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The team will have a day of rest today before resuming their preparations. Starting tomorrow, the South African women will begin their regular training sessions to gear up for the series, which is set to commence on September 16.

All matches of the three-match ODI series will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, providing a significant opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills in front of passionate local fans.

SOUTH AFRICAN MEN’S TEAM TOUR TO PAKISTAN: PLANS UNDER REVIEW

Sources close to the South African cricket team have revealed that the men’s team is likely to stay in Pakistan for about a month during their upcoming tour. However, there is some indication that Cricket South Africa prefers a shorter tour due to logistical concerns.

Reports suggest that the South African team has requested a two-week rest period, in addition to the 16 playing days already scheduled. A break of at least three days is expected between the two Test matches, with the first Test proposed to start on October 12 and the second on October 20.

While the tour’s dates are still under discussion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed various options, with the series of three ODI matches slated to begin in the last week of October. Meanwhile, a series of three T20 matches is expected to start in the first week of November.

Venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi are under consideration for the Test matches, while ODI and T20 matches could be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad.

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The South African team will submit its final report to Cricket South Africa’s top officials, who will then collaborate with the PCB to finalise the tour’s dates and venues. Notably, the South African team has expressed their preference to avoid participating in any honorary ceremonies during the tour.

Both cricket boards will decide the schedule in consultation with the input from the South African team.