The West Indies women’s cricket team, led by captain Hayley Matthews, is eagerly preparing for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh, scheduled for September-October. However, the team has recently experienced a setback with the retirement announcement of four highly experienced players who were integral to their successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2016. Let’s delve into the significant retirements that will shape the future of West Indies women’s cricket.
Anisa Mohammad – The Master of Bowling:
Anisa Mohammad, a seasoned off-spinner from Trinidad, made her international debut on July 26, 2003, in an ODI against Japan. She represented the West Indies in an impressive 141 ODIs and 117 T20Is. With 180 wickets, she emerged as the highest wicket-taker for the West Indies in ODIs, ranking third all-time globally. Her remarkable figures include an average of 20.75 and a strike rate of 34.7 in 134 innings. Anisa boasts an unparalleled record of seven four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls, solidifying her status as a bowling maestro.
Notably, Anisa delivered a phenomenal performance during the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Pakistan on November 26, 2011, where she wreaked havoc by claiming an exceptional 7/14, single-handedly dismantling the opposition’s batting line-up. Similarly, in T20Is, Anisa is recognized as the West Indies’ leading wicket-taker and ranks third globally, with 125 wickets at an extraordinary strike rate of 18.9 and an average of 17.64 in 113 innings. Her four four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls highlight her immense impact in the shortest format.
Shakera Selman – The Vice-Captain Extraordinaire:
Shakera Selman, a talented pacemaker and the vice-captain of the West Indies side during their historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory, commenced her international journey on June 24, 2008, in an ODI against Ireland. Throughout her career, she participated in 100 ODIs and 96 T20Is, claiming 82 wickets for the West Indies. Notably, she earned the title of the team’s fourth-highest wicket-taker, impressively averaging 27.10 and boasting a strike rate of 44.5 in 95 innings.
Selman’s standout performance occurred on September 17, 2014, during the 3rd ODI against New Zealand, wherein she showcased her prowess by securing remarkable figures of 5/15. In the T20I format, she attained 51 wickets across 87 innings, with an unforgettable display on March 5, 2014, against New Zealand, where she returned with figures of 3/23.
🚨 RETIREMENT 🚨
West Indies Women's cricketers Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman, Kycia Knight and Kyshona Knight have confirmed their retirement from international cricket. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/hJBZwPWTrl
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 18, 2024
Kycia Knight – The Accomplished Wicket-Keeper Batter:
Kycia Knight, a proficient wicket-keeper batter, made her international debut on August 28, 2011, in an ODI against Pakistan. Her standout batting performance in ODIs came on July 15, 2021, during the 4th ODI against Pakistan, where she scored a brilliant 88 runs with a strike rate of 62.85. Furthermore, Kycia featured in 87 ODIs and 70 T20Is, amassing a total of 2,128 runs. She showcased her exceptional skills during the 3rd ODI against South Africa on February 3, 2022, by scoring 69 runs at a strike rate of 73.40. Additionally, her unbeaten 62 runs off 56 deliveries against Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games on July 29, 2022, truly exemplified her remarkable talent.
Kyshona Knight – The Prolific Batter:
While her twin sister, Kyshona Knight, joined the team on January 13, 2013, in an ODI against South Africa. Kycia represented the West Indies in 51 ODIs and 55 T20Is, accumulating over 1,300 runs in her 99 innings. Notably, she scored 851 runs in ODIs and 546 runs in T20Is, exhibiting her ability to perform across both formats.
The untimely retirements of Anisa Mohammad, Shakera Selman, Kycia Knight, and Kyshona Knight mark a significant chapter in West Indies women’s cricket. These players have left indelible marks on the sport, with outstanding performances and records that will be cherished for years to come. As the West Indies women’s team prepares for the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup, they will undoubtedly miss the presence and invaluable contributions of these experienced veterans. Nonetheless, their retirements open doors for new talent to rise and carry the legacy forward.
