Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 5:45AM GMT Mon, 30 September, 2024

The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup promises to showcase some of the most electrifying talent in women’s cricket, with the tournament set to kick off on October 20, 2024, in the United Arab Emirates. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opening match between Bangladesh and Scotland in Sharjah, Al Jazeera identifies ten key players poised to make a significant impact during the competition. These athletes not only embody skill and determination but also represent the growing stature of women’s cricket on the global stage.

1. Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan captain, Chamari Athapaththu, is known for her exceptional all-round skills. Ranked fifth in the ICC’s Women’s T20 all-rounder standings, she has recently led her team to its first-ever Asia Cup title. Athapaththu, who made her international debut at the age of 19, has 246 international appearances and brings invaluable experience, blending accurate off-spin bowling with explosive batting.

2. Deepti Sharma – India

Deepti Sharma is pivotal to India’s ambitions in the T20 World Cup. The 27-year-old all-rounder is India’s highest-ranked bowler (2nd) and all-rounder (3rd) in T20 cricket. With 211 appearances under her belt, Sharma’s prowess as an off-break bowler and left-handed batter was on full display during the Women’s Hundred tournament in England, where her powerful performances propelled her team to victory.

3. Fatima Sana – Pakistan

At just 21, Fatima Sana has emerged as a shining star in Pakistani cricket. Despite having yet to score a fifty for her country, she has demonstrated consistent form, scoring at least 20 runs in her last six international innings. Sana, a fast-bowling all-rounder, has 31 T20 wickets and will look to harness her potential to lead Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.

4. Smriti Mandhana – India

Smriti Mandhana is an indispensable asset for the Indian team. Since her debut in 2014, the vice-captain has solidified her place as one of the top batswomen globally, currently sitting as the second highest run-getter in T20 internationals with 56 half-centuries. Following her success in the Women’s Premier League, where she led her team to victory, Mandhana aims to replicate that success on the international stage.

5. Beth Mooney – Australia

Beth Mooney is a vital component of the experienced Australian squad, currently leading the ICC’s T20 batter rankings. The 30-year-old opening batter has amassed an impressive record with two centuries and 23 fifties in 95 innings. Mooney’s ability to anchor the innings while also scoring at a brisk pace makes her a player to watch throughout the tournament.

6. Nahida Akter – Bangladesh

Nahida Akter, a left-arm finger spinner, is closing in on 100 T20 wickets at an impressive average of 16. At just 24 years old, she has already made a significant mark in international cricket, with best bowling figures of 5-8. Akter’s contributions will be crucial for Bangladesh as they seek to assert themselves in this high-stakes tournament.

7. Abtaha Maqsood – Scotland

The 25-year-old leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood represents Scotland, which is making its T20 World Cup debut. With 54 T20 wickets to her name, Maqsood’s skills could elevate her team’s performance, especially in the spinner-friendly conditions of the UAE. Her potential breakout tournament could change the narrative for Scottish women’s cricket.

8. Laura Wolvaardt – South Africa

As captain of the South African team, Laura Wolvaardt is looking to guide her squad past the final hurdle after finishing as runners-up in the last T20 World Cup. The 25-year-old right-handed opening batter is ranked fifth in T20 cricket, demonstrating her reliability at the crease with one century and 11 fifties in 66 T20 innings.

9. Sophie Ecclestone – England

Sophie Ecclestone is not only a pivotal player for England but also the highest-ranked bowler in both T20 and ODI formats. At just 25 years old, she has already made 159 appearances across all formats, taking 126 wickets in T20 internationals at a mere 14 average. Her consistent performance makes her a formidable challenge for any batting lineup.

10. Hayley Matthews – West Indies

Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies, is celebrated as the world’s top all-rounder. Currently third in the batting rankings, Matthews made her international debut at just 16 years old and has accumulated 180 appearances, with two centuries and 13 fifties in 96 T20 internationals. Her dynamic playing style is expected to be a key factor in the West Indies’ performance.

Conclusion

As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds in the UAE, these ten players will be central to their teams’ hopes of lifting the trophy. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, their skills and determination promise to deliver thrilling cricket action and elevate the profile of women’s sports worldwide.

Meta Description

Discover the top 10 players to watch at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. From Smriti Mandhana to Abtaha Maqsood, these cricket stars are set to shine on the global stage.