India is gearing up to host South Africa for an exciting multi-format women’s cricket tour scheduled for June and July. According to sources, Bengaluru will kick off the action by hosting the white-ball matches between India and South Africa, featuring three ODIs starting from June 16. The one-off Test match is set to take place in Chennai, commencing on June 28.
Following the Test match, the focus will shift to the T20 format, with three matches scheduled on July 5, 7, and 9. This sequential arrangement aims to maintain continuity across formats in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup slated for September-October in Bangladesh.
Originally slated for July to September last year, the tour had to be postponed due to scheduling conflicts with the men’s ODI World Cup and logistical challenges. However, it’s back on track now, including a visit from New Zealand.
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A notable addition to the tour is the one-off Test match, reflecting the concerted efforts of Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote women’s Test cricket. This move comes on the heels of significant strides towards gender equality, with the BCCI recently announcing equal match fees for male and female cricketers.
For India, this tour marks the third Test match in seven months, following encounters against England and Australia in December. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to address gender discrimination and elevate the status of women’s cricket.
South Africa is on rank 2 in ICC Women’s Championship :-
South Africa, on the other hand, is no stranger to Test cricket, having ended an eight-year hiatus with a match against England in 2022. Despite a recent loss to Australia, South Africa remain a formidable opponent, currently ranked second in the ICC Women’s Championship.
The tour also underscores the BCCI’s efforts to diversify the venues for women’s cricket matches. Traditionally centered around Mumbai, the recent Women’s Premier League saw matches held in Bengaluru and Delhi, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and accessibility.
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With the ODIs contributing to the ICC Women’s Championship, both teams will be vying for crucial points to secure direct qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by India. South Africa’s strong standing on the Championship table adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming series.