The stage is set for what could be the most competitive Women’s T20 World Cup yet, in regards to the caliber of the teams, making it an ideal moment to start supporting women’s cricket. The competition is taking place in unfamiliar Asian conditions for most teams, balancing the competition.
The T20 leagues have aided players from different nations in improving their abilities and competing with the top players. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will showcase top cricket players, beginning with a game in Sharjah, UAE, between Bangladesh and Scotland on Thursday.
Here are the Top 5 players to watch out for in the tournament:
Chamari Athapathuthu (Sri Lanka)
Athapathuthu, showcasing her versatile abilities, will lead Sri Lanka’s effort in the competition. The captain of Sri Lanka is currently placed fifth in the ICC’s Women’s T20 all-rounder rankings and recently guided her team to their maiden Asia Cup championship. The 34-year-old is skilled at bowling off-spin with precision and can also be a powerful hitter in T20 cricket. Athapaththu has participated in 246 international games since she first played at the age of 19 in the T20 World Cup in 2006. She also has a lot of expertise in franchise T20 cricket.
Also read: T20 women’s world cup: India’s Squad and schedule
Smriti Mandhana (India)
Mandhana has been a consistent performer in India’s batting lineup since she made her debut in 2014. The Indian vice-captain has scored the second highest number of runs in T20 internationals and has achieved 56 half-centuries.
Earlier this year, the 28-year-old from Mumbai successfully guided her Bengaluru team to their first-ever Women’s Premier League championship and now aims to support India in achieving the same feat in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
Emerging as a viral sensation at just 14 years old in New Zealand, Amelia Kerr is now in top form as she prepares for the World Cup. Kerr is positioned at number 4 among the top Women’s T20 All rounders globally, having taken 8 wickets and made 143 runs in her most recent 5 T20Is.
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes first Indian to achieve this feat in 92 Years
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
The current captain of the West Indies team holds the top spot as the best all-rounder in the world and is ranked third in batting. Matthews’ fame was well-established before she made her international debut at 16, and now at 25, she has 180 caps for West Indies with two centuries and 13 fifties in 96 T20 internationals.
Also read: Morne Morkel heaps high praise on ‘complete package’ Ravindra Jadeja
Abtaha Maqsood (Scotland)
A leg-spinner of great promise, the 25-year-old has already claimed 54 T20 wickets at an average of 15 in 53 matches for Scotland. Maqsood’s contributions could elevate the Scottish team to the next level, especially given the spinner-friendly conditions in the UAE. The dependable spinner could turn this World Cup into a breakthrough international tournament for herself and her country, who are making their T20 World Cup debut.
