This year's event will feature 10 teams, split into two groups, each aiming to progress through the group stages and secure a spot in the knockout rounds. With the squads now being revealed, here's a detailed look at the teams ready to battle it out for T20 glory:
Australia
The defending champions, Australia, are once again one of the strongest contenders. Led by Alyssa Healy, the squad boasts a formidable mix of experience and youth. Key players like Ash Gardner, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney will be crucial in Australia’s campaign.
- Key Players: Alyssa Healy (c), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt
- One to Watch: Phoebe Litchfield, a young talent with immense potential, could make a significant impact.
Squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.
India
India enters the tournament with a balanced squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur. With top-order firepower from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, alongside the all-round skills of Deepti Sharma, India is eyeing their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Pic Credits: Twitter X / BCCIWomen
- Key Players: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues
- One to Watch: Shafali Verma, known for her explosive batting, could turn games single-handedly.
Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan.
Traveling reserves: Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor Non-Travelling Reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra
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Pakistan
Pakistan will be captained by Fatima Sana. With a mix of young talent and experienced campaigners like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, they’ll be aiming to make their mark in the tournament.
- Key Players: Fatima Sana (c), Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz
- One to Watch: Muneeba Ali, a promising wicketkeeper-batter, could play a pivotal role.
Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.
Traveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wk). Non-travelling reserves: Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani
Sri Lanka & New Zealand
Squads are yet to be announced...
Group B
England
Led by Heather Knight, England is one of the favorites for the title. The team is packed with talent, including the ever-reliable Nat Sciver-Brunt and spin sensation Sophie Ecclestone.
- Key Players: Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone
- One to Watch: Alice Capsey, an exciting young all-rounder, has the ability to influence the game with both bat and ball.
Squad: Heather Knight (c), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath.
Scotland
Scotland, captained by Kathryn Bryce, will be eager to punch above their weight in this tournament. The Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, are key to Scotland’s hopes, along with the talented leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood.
Pic Credits: Twitter X / CricketScotland
- Key Players: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (vc), Abtaha Maqsood
- One to Watch: Saskia Horley, a promising all-rounder, could be crucial in both batting and bowling departments.
Squad: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (vc), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell.
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt leads a South African squad rich in talent, with experienced campaigners like Marizanne Kapp and Chloé Tryon. Known for their aggressive style, South Africa will be looking to secure their first ICC title.
Pic Credits: Twitter X / ProteasWomenCSA
- Key Players: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka
- One to Watch: Anneke Bosch, an explosive batter, is one to keep an eye on.
Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon.
Travelling reserve: Miané Smit
West Indies
West Indies, led by the dynamic Hayley Matthews, have a squad filled with match-winners. With players like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin in their ranks, they have the firepower to surprise any opposition.
Pic Credits: Twitter X / windiescricket
- Key Players: Hayley Matthews (c), Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin
- One to Watch: Zaida James, a young all-rounder, could emerge as a game-changer for the West Indies.
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
Bangladesh
The squad is yet to be announced...
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exhilarating tournament, with teams from all over the world coming together to compete. From defending champions Australia to rising stars in Scotland and Pakistan, the stage is set for thrilling performances. With players like Alyssa Healy, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Hayley Matthews, fans can expect fierce competition and moments of individual brilliance.
Stay tuned for more updates as the teams make their final preparations and the tournament gets underway in the UAE!