Cricket South Africa has added a three-match T20I series to the Indian women's team tour to aid preparation for the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revised the itinerary for the India women's team tour later this year, expanding the schedule to include three T20Is alongside the previously announced one-off Test and three ODIs.
Under the updated schedule, the tour will kick off with a one-off Test match from December 9 to 12, followed by the three-match ODI series scheduled from December 16 to 22. The Indian squad will extend its stay in South Africa by an extra week to play the newly added T20Is between December 26 and 30.
The three T20I fixtures will be played at Benoni and Potchefstroom. CSA noted that the series will provide both teams with a crucial preparation platform ahead of the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy, set to take place in Sri Lanka in February.
"We are delighted to confirm the revised schedule for India's tour of South Africa, with the addition of the T20 International series over the festive period, ensuring our Proteas Women have the best possible preparation ahead of the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka early next year," said CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki in a statement. Moseki added that playing India across all three formats will offer "invaluable competition."
Earlier this year, India toured South Africa in March-April for a T20I series that resulted in a 1-4 defeat for the visitors. The two teams also clashed at the T20 World Cup in England, where South Africa defeated India, denting their chances of reaching the semifinals.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.