The West Indies are gearing up for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. They are in Group B alongside Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and South Africa. In terms of their history in this event, they were the champions in 2016 and have been semi-finalists on four occasions (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018). A 15-member squad has been selected, but there are still some areas that need improvement ahead of the tournament.
Strengths
Hayley Matthews – Inspirational leader
The West Indies skipper has led her team from the front with massive contributions with both the bat and ball. Matthews is currently the 3rd best batter, 6th best bowler, and the number one-ranked all-rounder in T20Is.
This year, she has scored 313 runs in eight matches, with an average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 119.92. Matthews was the highest run-scorer in both the series against Pakistan (108 runs, 3 innings, average 36.00) and Sri Lanka (205 runs, 5 innings, average 41.00), respectively.
Even in the Pakistan series, she was the second-highest wicket-taker with seven scalps in five innings. Her ability to play spin sets her apart from others. Hence, once again, in the upcoming World Cup, she will be a key factor for the Windies.
Strong spin unit
The spin trio of Matthews, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack will be pivotal to the Windies’ success in the upcoming tournament. Over the last two years, these three have been the top bowlers in wicket-taking charts.
Matthews has claimed 39 wickets in 31 innings. Afy Fletcher has taken 30 wickets in 31 innings, and Karishma has taken 18 scalps in 25 innings. Fletcher, the leg-break bowler, was the highest wicket-taker in both the series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively.
High on confidence after back-to-back series win in sub-continental conditions
Recently, Pakistan gave a strong fight to South Africa at home despite losing the series. Similarly, Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup after defeating the favourites, India, in the final. Hence, defeating both teams (4-1 versus Pakistan, 2-1 versus Sri Lanka) in their own backyard has been a breath of fresh air for the Windies this year as they prepare for the World Cup.
Against the Lankans, they lost the first match of the series but made a comeback to win it. This also speaks to the character of the team, and it should have given them a lot of belief ahead of this marquee event.
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Weaknesses
Over-reliance on Matthews
As captain, Matthews should lead from the front with her performances. However, as a team, others need to step up their respective games to support her. In the last two years, Matthews has scored 1,206 runs in 32 innings, with an average of 41.58 and a strike rate of 121.08. The next best batter is the team’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper, Shemaine Campbelle.
She scored 411 runs in 24 innings, at an average of 20.55 and a strike rate of 89.15. This reflects a massive difference of approximately 800 runs in eight innings, along with a significant gap in strike rates. In the last eight matches, they won six, with five of those victories coming while chasing.
Opening bowlers are not incisive enough
West Indies will rely on Chinelle Henry and Shamilia Connell, as both will look to grab quick wickets with the new ball. However, over the last two years, they have struggled to make a significant impact. Henry has taken 10 wickets in 20 innings, while Connell has grabbed 16 scalps in 21 innings.
In the shortest format of the game, powerplay overs are crucial for both batters and bowlers. Scoring a good amount of runs during that stage provides the following batters with a solid foundation to post a big total, while taking early wickets gives the bowling team a brisk start, helping them restrict the opposition to a modest total.
Lack of matches in a World Cup year and question marks over Deandra Dottin’s selection
Compared to the other established cricketing nations, they have played the fewest number of T20Is in a World Cup year, which raises concerns about their preparation.
Additionally, Deandra Dottin has made a comeback to the squad, but her last T20I was in 2022. While she has been active in various franchise leagues, how the 33-year-old all-rounder will justify her selection remains to be seen.
T20I World Cup 2024 squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (vc, wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Also Read: Pakistan look to cut out inconsistencies in the T20 World Cup