The series is the Proteas’ final chance to fine-tune their preparations before heading to India for their opening game of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. They will face England in Guwahati on 4 October.

South Africa have taken a settled and experienced squad to Pakistan, although they haven’t played much international cricket in 2025. The leadership and experience of players such as Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Tazmin Brits will therefore be crucial.

Laura Wolvaardt and Fatima Sana. Photo: Cricket SA

With the series being played in Pakistan, adapting quickly to the conditions will be key. The players are coming out of a South African winter, and the conditions will be very similar to those they can expect at the World Cup.

Wolvaardt highlighted just how vital these matches are as the squad looks to sharpen up before departing for India.

“This series is super crucial for us. Heading into the World Cup, getting to play in the subcontinent beforehand is a massive opportunity.” 

“Getting used to the conditions, getting used to how hot it is – obviously coming from winter at home, it’s been a bit of an adjustment. We also need to just play together again as a group. We last played maybe five or six weeks ago, so building momentum going into a tournament like this will be huge.”

While the Proteas boast a good record against Pakistan, Wolvaardt was quick to stress that it will be anything but easy.

“They’re a really good side and we’ve had some tough battles here over the last couple of seasons.”

Chloe Tryon. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve toured here three Septembers in a row now. It’s a team we enjoy playing against because they push us hard. In their conditions, their attack is well-suited, so we’ll need to play some very good cricket if we want to win the series.”

Wolvaardt confirmed that all the players in the squad will likely get game time in Pakistan.

“The ODI World Cup is a long tournament, so I need to make sure everyone is exposed to some cricket. We’ll still be putting out strong XIs with the goal of winning the series, but giving everyone a chance to play will be important too.”

The first ODI between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is scheduled to start at 12:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg