With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, several top teams, including defending champions Australia, former victors England and West Indies, and key Asian contenders India and Pakistan, have announced their squads. Here’s a look at the possible strategies these teams might employ based on their chosen players.
Australia Betting on Speed in the UAE
Australia is bringing a formidable pace attack to the UAE, with players like Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck potentially joining forces for the first time in international T20 cricket. Although UAE pitches are known to favour spinners, Australia's captain Alyssa Healy believes that their quick bowlers could provide an unexpected edge on the slower, low-bounce surfaces. Healy suggested that having such fast bowlers in these conditions would give Australia a significant advantage.
Pakistan’s Leadership Shift: Same Core, New Approach
Pakistan’s surprise leadership change ahead of the World Cup suggests a possible shift in strategy. However, it seems the focus remains on maximizing Nida Dar’s performance by relieving her of the captaincy, while giving Fatima Sana the freedom to explore her potential. This echoes the South Africa Men’s team’s handling of Graeme Smith in the early 2000s. Pakistan's squad is nearly identical to the one they fielded during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, signalling the selectors’ continued trust in their established players.
India Counting on Familiar Faces
India’s squad largely mirrors their recent lineups, with Yastika Bhatia and Shreyanka Patil retained despite injury concerns. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team seem confident that sticking with their core group will pay off, even after a loss to Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final. India’s recent successes against powerhouses like Australia, England, and South Africa give them reason to believe this same group can deliver strong performances in the World Cup.
England Backing In-Form Players to End Title Drought
England’s World Cup squad leans heavily on players who excelled in the domestic Hundred competition. Notable performers such as Linsey Smith (15 wickets at 9.66), Lauren Bell (nine wickets at 20.77), Dani Gibson (eight wickets and 111 runs), and Bess Heath have all been called up. Though some familiar names have missed out, England will field a squad in peak form, led by experienced captain Heather Knight, as they aim for their first ICC Women’s title since 2017.
Veteran Leadership Steers West Indies’ Title Ambitions
West Indies are looking to their seasoned players to guide their World Cup campaign, with Deandra Dottin reversing her international retirement to join the squad. Alongside former captain Stafanie Taylor, current skipper Hayley Matthews, and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, the 2016 champions are relying on their experienced core to help them return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
Scotland Sticks with Successful Formula from Qualifiers
After a stellar performance at the Qualifiers, Scotland has made minimal changes to their squad for the World Cup. Thirteen players from their Qualifier squad return, along with new additions Abbi Aitken-Drummond and spinner Olivia Bell, who impressed during a recent tour of The Netherlands. Despite missing key players Sarah and Kathryn Bryce, Scotland dominated their recent tri-series against the Dutch and Papua New Guinea, winning five out of six matches.
South Africa’s New Leadership Bringing Fresh Perspective
Laura Wolvaardt is leading South Africa for the first time in an ICC tournament, aiming to build on their runner-up finish in 2023. Former captain Sune Luus remains a vital player, especially with the bat, but Wolvaardt is expected to lean on Luus’ spin-bowling to support Nonkululeko Mlaba. Wolvaardt’s calm demeanour, coupled with her impressive average of 49.50 as captain, suggests she will thrive under pressure in her new leadership role.
New Zealand’s Veterans Shouldering the Load Once Again
As New Zealand’s next generation continues to develop, the White Ferns will once again rely on seasoned stars Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates to lead the charge. Their contributions at the top of the order will be crucial for the team’s success. On the bowling front, New Zealand has infused some youth into their squad, with returning players like Rosemary Mair bolstering an already solid bowling attack, which includes Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas.
Bangladesh Banking on Youthful Promise
Bangladesh continues its push to integrate younger players into the squad, with uncapped players Taj Nehar and Disha Biswas earning spots for the upcoming tournament. Biswas, who was part of the squad for the Women’s Asia Cup 2023 but didn’t play, joins a squad that also includes graduates from the Bangladesh U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, such as Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Marufa Akter. These young players will play pivotal roles in the team’s World Cup campaign.