DURBAN: Pakistan women cricket team’s tour of Africa was extended after it was agreed that they will play three 50-over matches and two T20Is in Zimbabwe after their tour of South Africa.

The women’s side will play their last match against South Africa in Durban on Feb 3, and will travel to Harare for five additional matches, which will be played from Feb 11 to 20.

The 50-over matches will be non-ODIs as Zimbabwe does not have an ODI status, but the 20-over games will be internationals. These additional matches have been scheduled to help both Pakistan and Zimbabwe to prepare for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 Qualifier, which is expected to be staged in July.

Pakistan head coach David Hemp welcomed additional matches for his charges.

“This is an excellent news for our team as we need sufficient competitive matches so that we go into the World Cup qualifiers as best prepared as practically possible in these difficult times,” Hemp said on Saturday.

This will be Zimbabwe women cricket team’s first series since May 2019.

Schedule:

Feb 11: first 50-over match (Harare Sports Club).

Feb 13 — second 50-over match (Harare Sports Club).

Feb 15 — third 50-over match (Harare Sports Club).

Feb 18 — 1st T20 International (Harare Sports Club).

Feb 20 — 2nd T20 International (Harare Sports Club).

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2021