Fatima Sana explains why South Africa ODI series is crucial for Pakistan ahead of Women’s World Cup 2025

Table of Contents

Pakistan Women will begin their three-match ODI series against South Africa today (September 16) at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The series is not just another bilateral assignment but a key opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their plans ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. All three matches of the ODI leg will be played in Lahore, giving Pakistan the chance to test their strengths in familiar conditions before heading to Sri Lanka for the global tournament.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, speaking on the eve of the first ODI, emphasized how vital this series is in shaping her team’s World Cup campaign. With the marquee event just two weeks away, she believes that competitive fixtures against a strong side like South Africa will help Pakistan assess their readiness.

“Our specific aim is to prepare for the World Cup and execute our plans in this series. A series like this is very beneficial for the team ahead of the World Cup. It gives the players a good opportunity to put into practice all the preparation they have done in recent times,” Sana said at the pre-match press conference.

The skipper highlighted that beyond just winning matches, the bigger picture is about ironing out flaws, strengthening combinations, and ensuring players are mentally and physically ready for the high-pressure World Cup atmosphere.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be played from September 30 to November 2 under a hybrid model in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will feature in all of their matches in Colombo, starting their campaign against Bangladesh on October 2. Their highly anticipated clash against India will follow on October 5, a fixture that always draws attention and adds extra intensity to the tournament.

Sana and her team understand that the World Cup will be the true measure of their progress. Competing against some of the world’s top teams on neutral territory will demand discipline, focus, and consistency across all three departments — batting, bowling, and fielding. The South Africa series, therefore, stands as the final chance to simulate match scenarios and refine strategies before the ultimate challenge begins.

Also READ: PAK vs SA Women’s ODI Series 2025 Schedule: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan and other countries

With the countdown to the World Cup underway, expectations are building around the Women in Green. Pakistan fans are eager to see their team deliver strong performances, particularly after recent improvements in their approach and the emergence of promising young talents. Playing in home conditions provides the squad with confidence, and victories against a seasoned team like South Africa could inject crucial momentum ahead of the global stage.

The leadership of Fatima, coupled with the experience of senior players and the energy of rising stars, gives Pakistan a balanced mix. Supporters will be hoping that the hard work done during this series translates into success in Colombo, where Pakistan aims to make a mark in the World Cup.

Also READ: Pakistan’s best XI for the Women’s ODI series against South Africa

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.