Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Cricket Club (ADCC) is gearing up to host the first Test between Pakistan and the world’s No 1 Test team South Africa in what promises to be a busy schedule.
The sides will play two Test matches, five one-day internationals (ODIs) and two T20 internationals, with the first Test taking place at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in the UAE capital from October 14-18.
Entrance to the first Test will be completely free while tickets for the ODIs can be purchased from various outlets across Abu Dhabi and Dubai and online from www.boxoffice.me and Time Out Tickets. Prices start at Dh30.
“We are all looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic and hard-fought series between two excellent teams,” said David East, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Cricket Club. “Pakistan is always an exciting team to watch and I’m sure they’ll want to avenge a series loss to South Africa earlier this year. The UAE is familiar territory for them, and with what I’m sure will be some strong home support, they will push South Africa all the way.”
Both teams have arrived in the UAE and are preparing to lock horns for the first time since South Africa beat Pakistan 3-0 in South Africa earlier this year. The first Test will be followed by two ODIs in Abu Dhabi on November 6-8.
As preparation for the first Test, Pakistan will warm up with a two-day game against the UAE at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 9-10 while South Africa will play a three-day game against a Pakistan A side in Sharjah from October 8-10.
“We are excited to be pitting ourselves against a full Pakistan side as they prepare to take on the best team in the world,” said former Pakistan fast bowler and UAE cricket coach Aaqib Javed. “Cricket in the UAE is going from strength to strength and the opportunity to test ourselves against a Test-playing national like Pakistan will only benefit our guys in the long run. We aren’t going to be out there to give them practice — we play to win.”
Tickets for the ODIs at Shaikh Zayed Stadium are available from the following outlets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium, Malik Exchange, Ibrahimi Restaurants, Murree Sweets & Refreshments, Pak Nemat Kadda Restaurant, Bollywood Sports, Pakistan Land Foodstuff and Al Roshan Restaurant.
