With global tournaments on the horizon, Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa promises far more than a routine bilateral series. Starting 10 February 2026, the two sides will lock horns in a six-match assignment comprising three T20 Internationals (T20Is) followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), played across six different venues in South Africa.
The tour opens with the T20I leg, a timely build-up for both teams as they fine-tune combinations and strategies ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The shortest-format series concludes on 16 February, after which the focus shifts to the 50-over format, significant not just for preparation, but for the bigger picture of World Cup qualification.
The ODI series, beginning on 22 February and concluding on 1 March, marks the start of South Africa Women’s new Championship cycle. Performances in this phase will directly contribute to qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2029, adding an extra layer of importance to every match.
South Africa Women, led by world No.1 ODI batter Laura Wolvaardt, will start the series as favourites in both formats. The Proteas have named strong and balanced squads, blending experience with emerging talent. A notable inclusion is 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke, who is set to make her T20I debut, another sign of South Africa’s emphasis on long-term depth.
The return of experienced campaigners Tazmin Brits and Ayanda Hlubi strengthens the T20I unit after their absence from the recent Ireland series. However, the ODI squad sees a different combination, with Lara Goodall, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nondumiso Shangase and Tumi Sekhukhune drafted in as South Africa rotate personnel to suit the longer format. Across formats, South Africa’s core remains formidable, with match-winners such as Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Chloé Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba expected to play pivotal roles.
Pakistan Women, captained by Fatima Sana in both formats, arrive with a squad that reflects transition and opportunity. The T20I team includes fresh faces such as Eyman Fatima and Natalia Pervaiz, while experienced batter Ayesha Zafar returns to the shortest-format setup. In contrast, Syeda Aroob Shah and Sadaf Shamas are reserved exclusively for the ODI leg.
Pakistan’s challenge will lie in consistency. While they possess individual match-winners particularly in the bowling department their ability to sustain pressure against a strong South African lineup will be key. Performances from senior batters like Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz, alongside disciplined spells from bowlers such as Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig, could determine how competitive the visitors remain.
For Pakistan, Fatima Sana’s all-round contributions will be central in both formats, supported by the likes of Natalia Pervaiz, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Amin in T20Is, and Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu in ODIs.
South Africa’s strength lies in experience and depth. Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba headline the T20I threats, while Wolvaardt, Chloé Tryon and Suné Luus form the backbone of the ODI side.
The series will travel across South Africa, offering varied conditions and challenges. Potchefstroom, Benoni and Kimberley host the T20Is, while Bloemfontein, Centurion and Durban stage the ODIs, ensuring a comprehensive test for both teams.
Beyond wins and losses, this tour represents preparation, qualification momentum and squad building. For South Africa, it is the first step in a new ODI Championship cycle. For Pakistan, it is a chance to measure growth against a top-ranked side and build confidence ahead of global tournaments.
As the action unfolds across February and early March, the Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa 2026 is set to play a meaningful role in shaping the immediate and long-term trajectories of both teams in international women’s cricket.
