The 2016 Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup winners, West Indies, have announced a strong squad of 15 for the 9th edition of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3 to 20, 2024. The squad, which includes a notable return of a star all-rounder, sees four changes from their last series against Sri Lanka.
Riding high on the confidence of back-to-back T20I series victories—4-1 against Pakistan and 2-1 against Sri Lanka—the selectors have retained a strong core for the World Cup. This includes the captain and vice-captain duo of Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle, and seasoned players in Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Afy Fletcher.
However, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, and Kate Wilmott have been left out due to recent underwhelming performances in T20s, despite limited opportunities. The quartet is replaced by the uncapped duo Nerissa Crafton (26) and Mandy Mangru (24), along with Ashmini Munisar and Deandra Dottin.
West Indies squad for the 2024 Women’s World Cup:
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
Ace all-rounder Deandra Dottin, fresh off a 119-run Women’s Caribbean Premier League season, has been recalled to the senior national team after reversing her international retirement late last month. She had stepped away from the team in August 2022, citing a “non-conducive” environment, and did not participate in the 2024 domestic season. Her return brings valuable experience and depth to the squad, enhancing their prospects in the upcoming World Cup.
Packed with power and stability, the Windies boast a formidable lineup. At the top, Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle are followed by Chedean Nation, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Qiana Joseph in the middle and lower order.
In the bowling department, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, and Chinelle Henry lead the pace attack, with uncapped Nerissa Crafton adding variety. The spin department is well-rounded with the return of Ashmini Munisar and Mandy Mangru, alongside regulars Hayley Matthews, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack.
The West Indies will gear up for the 2024 T20 World Cup with warm-up matches against India and Australia in Dubai. In the group stage, they will start their campaign in Group B on October 4 against South Africa, followed by games against Scotland, Bangladesh, and England.
