KARACHI: A tri-nation One Day International series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will take place from Feb. 8-14 at the newly renovated Lahore and Karachi stadiums, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday.
This series serves as preparation for the upcoming eight-nation International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, that Pakistan is hosting from Feb. 19 onwards. Pakistan has renovated its stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi in anticipation of the Champions Trophy, an eight-team 50-overs tournament that will be the first global competition held in Pakistan in 28 years.
“Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the Qaddafi Stadium on Feb. 8,” the PCB said in a press release. “New Zealand will take on South Africa on Feb. 10 at the same venue in the day game.”
A third match will be played in Karachi where Pakistan will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in a day and night match on Feb. 12.
“We are excited to be playing again in front of our home crowd and the newly constructed stadiums in Lahore and Karachi,” PCB quoted Pakistani skipper Mohammad Rizwan as saying.
“The preparations have gone well so far with the players looking to give their best in the tournament leading up to the ICC event.”
The PCB said New Zealand held their first training session at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground on Thursday evening.
“We had a good training session in Lahore under lights and can’t wait to take on the home side on Saturday,” PCB quoted New Zealand Captain Mitchell Santner as saying. “It is great to be back in Pakistan and the side had a good outing when we toured last time.”
It added that the South African team arrived in Lahore in the wee hours of Friday and would have their first training session on Feb. 8.
“It is a great opportunity for the side to warm up before the mega event,” PCB quoted South African skipper Temba Bavuma as saying. “We have a mixed squad and the tri-nation tournament will help us acclimatize to the conditions before we gear up for the ICC event.”
Feb. 8: Pakistan vs New Zealand (day and night)
Feb. 10: New Zealand vs South Africa (day)
Feb. 12: Pakistan vs South Africa (day and night)
Feb. 14: Final (day and night)
