PCB announces schedule for ODI Tri-Series ahead of Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Scheduled to take place from February 8 to 14, the tri-series will serve as a key preparatory event for all three teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The matches will be played on a single-league basis, with Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium hosting the first two games, while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will stage the final league match and the tournament final.

The series kicks off on February 8 with a clash between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium. The Kiwis will then face South Africa in a day match on February 10 at the same venue.

The action will shift to Karachi on February 12, where Pakistan will play South Africa in a day/night fixture. The series will culminate in the final, also at the National Bank Stadium, on February 14, just days before the ICC Champions Trophy opener.

To acclimate to local conditions, Pakistan and New Zealand are scheduled to train under lights at Gaddafi Stadium on February 6, while South Africa will hold their first session at the venue on the morning of February 9.

Pakistan enters the tri-series in strong form, following a commanding 3-0 ODI series whitewash in South Africa. Meanwhile, New Zealand also arrives with momentum, having secured a 2-1 series victory at home against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

The tri-series will provide an ideal platform for the teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin later in February. Defending champions Pakistan are yet to announce their 15-member squad for the marquee event.

The Champions Trophy opener will see Pakistan take on New Zealand on February 19 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. South Africa will begin their campaign against Afghanistan at the same venue on February 21.

New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

South Africa squad for the Champions Trophy: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen.