The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup promises not only a showcase of elite cricketing talent but also a testament to the sport’s global appeal. Among the standout players are six exceptional women cricketers whose careers span across different nations, including Australia’s Alana King and Kim Garth, South Africa’s Seshnie Naidu, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Scotland’s Abtaha Maqsood. Notably, Kim Garth stands apart as the only player to have represented two nations, Ireland and Australia, at the World Cups.
Born on April 25, 1996, Kimberley Jennifer Garth is a dynamic all-rounder, celebrated for her right-arm medium bowling and right-handed batting. Currently, she represents Victoria and the Melbourne Stars in Australia.
Garth’s journey to Australia’s national team began in 2020 when she signed a contract with Cricket Victoria. After gaining permanent residency and completing the required three-year period since her last appearance for Ireland, Garth became eligible to represent Australia. Before moving to Australia, she had an impressive international career with Ireland from 2010 to 2019, playing over 100 matches. In T20Is, she played 51 T20Is and scored 762 runs, with her highest score of 51 not out against the West Indies, and claimed 47 wickets, her best being 3 for 6 against the Netherlands.
Did you know? 🤔
Kim Garth represented Ireland in the 2016 and 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup and then was picked for Australia in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup. #CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/epZsPFMJkc
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 9, 2024
Garth made her debut for Australia during their tour of India in December 2022, where she made an immediate impact by dismissing Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur in her debut match. So far, she has played six T20Is for Australia, taking five wickets, with her best figures of 2 for 24 against the West Indies.
Garth, being a rare talent, made her international debut at the age of 14 in 2010 when she played her first One Day International against New Zealand. Fast forward to 2024, Garth remains a key figure in the Australian squad, having also been part of the victorious team in the 2023 T20 World Cup. She continues to play in top franchise leagues around the world, currently representing Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and Trent Rockets in The Hundred. Earlier in her career, she also played for Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers in the WBBL, and Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Australia, placed in Group A for the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, will face India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They will kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka, led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 5, 2024.
Australia squad:
Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
