West Indies have announced their squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, with star all-rounder Hayley Matthews set to captain the side. West Indies, who secured a lone title victory in the tournament in 2016, will now look to end the long wait for another world crown. Matthews, having huge experience, will carry the responsibility of leading West Indies' attack both with the bat and ball.
West Indies also have seasoned campaigners Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, adding immense value to the side. Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle and Jahzara Claxton further strengthen the batting unit. One of the most positive features of the squad is their strong spin department.
The West Indies are heavily equipped with slow-bowling options in the form of Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Mandy Mangru, and Karishma Ramharack. The pace attack is bolstered by Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shawnisha Hector, and Deandra Dottin. Meanwhile, West Indies will begin their campaign against New Zealand on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.
"We know that in these conditions, strong powerplay batting and sustained scoring through the middle overs will be critical to winning games. Our analysis showed that when we score positively in the powerplay, particularly getting beyond that 45-run mark, we give ourselves a much stronger opportunity to control matches. Alternatively with the ball, we need to restrict boundaries in the power play and throughout the innings," WI head coach Shane Deitz said in a release.
"We've therefore selected a group with flexibility at the top of the order, players who can handle both pace and spin effectively, and importantly, batters capable of maintaining intent regardless of wickets lost, along with ensuring depth in the batting so we can continue attacking deep into the innings. We also wanted bowlers who can attack when necessary but also quickly shift into defensive modes and execute under pressure at every stage of the innings," Deltz added.
West Indies Squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector.